Fume cupboards are a vital part of Perth laboratories. By having an extraction system in your laboratory, you can ensure operational safety in relation to the chemical substances. 

Fume cupboards ensure a clean work space by exhausting substances that can cause harm, including vapour, fumes, aerosol, various gases and dust. Fume cupboard extraction also helps create a barrier between the laboratory, when a chemical reaction occurs.

Reduce airflow disturbance

Are you aware that disturbances in airflow will reduce the efficiency of extraction equipment. This is why it is important to locate suitable laboratory furniture and benchtops to place the unit where crosscurrents can be avoided.

Many factors can create a crosscurrent, including:

• Technician pedestrian traffic
• Opening and closing of doors
• Windows
• Supply air diffusers
• Exterior fans

To maximise containment, a lab worker should consider how they move around the ducted or ductless fume hood. Be sure to avoid sudden movement in or out that may create air disruption.

Ensure local exhaust is working

Before commencing work, make it a point to ensure the exhaust is properly working. Exhausting toxins and fumes is the primary job of fume cupboards and extraction systems. If this part of the ventilation system is not adequately functioning, the hood will not operate to maximum capacity (if at all). Our fume cupboards are fitted with airflow monitors, so you can routinely check the monitor’s status. Ensuring that it is properly functioning will allow you to better examine the clean air any suspected airflow disruptions.

Preventative measures to consider with housekeeping and maintenance procedures 

There are some housekeeping and maintenance procedures that we recommend your laboratory implements: 

• Avoid storing items that include chemicals at all costs. Doing so not only blocks airflow, it can also interfere with containment as well.
• Be sure to store hazardous chemicals in approved safety cabinets as stipulated on the safety data sheet. If chemicals are needed for a procedure, only keep the minimal amount in the fume hood. 
• Examine your fume cupboard’s carbon filter systems to ensure they are clean or saturated. 
• Remember, carbon filters play an imperative role in removing a wide range of hazardous fumes and particles from the enclosed area.
• Thoroughly examine and evaluate the hood before you use it, this is your chance to check if there are blockages in airflow and if there is excessive turbulence.
• Schedule an annual servicing of your dust and fume extraction systems. This will help ensure safe operations. 
• Clean up spills immediately, ensuring that the glass on the fume cupboard glass is wiped clean.

When was the last time you checked the operational efficiency of your fume cupboard? If you do not have one at all, then you have come to the right place. It is no secret that a proper fume hood and fume cupboard are an essential element of any area that deals with hazardous substances. Be sure to get in touch with our team at Johndec Engineering today to discuss your fume hood installation needs in Perth. We look forward to assisting you with optimising the safety of your Perth-based laboratory.