Chemical Fume Hood

• A chemical fume hood must be used for all operations involving hazardous chemicals that might result in an volatile, toxic, or harmful release.
• All work must be conducted at least 6 inches inside the fume hood.
• Elevate large apparatus 2 inches off the hood deck with blocks at each end to allow airflow under the apparatus except where the elevation would make the equipment unstable or unsafe.
• Maintain the sash at the posted height while in use.
• Do not use the hood for storage.
• A continuous monitoring device must be installed on all chemical fume hoods to allow the user to assure proper operation prior to use.
• Ductless or recirculation fume hoods are prohibited.  Contact EHRS for additional information.
• All fume hood installations and removals must be in accordance with State and Federal regulations and reviewed by EHRS.
• The Department Chair or Area Head is responsible for ensuring that all Chemical Fume Hoods are operating appropriately and are maintained according to the requirement as specified by the manufacturer or appropriate regulation.

Visit the Laboratory Ventilation Program for additional information.

Ventilation

• General room ventilation patterns may not be altered by blocking room air supply grills or return duct grills or by removing ceiling tiles.
• Local exhaust ventilation systems ( flexible duct exhaust, spray booths, canopy hoods, etc..)  must be used for the intended use.  Existing systems may not be able to handle new or altered operations.  Contact Facilities Management and EHRS prior to initiating any change or introduction of a new operation which may require additional ventilation.
• Local exhaust ventilation systems should be used to capture point source discharges of chemicals from apparatus as appropriate.
• Hazardous chemicals should not be used outside of a chemical fume hood or other containment system in rooms where air is re-circulated.
• All ventilation systems installations and removals must be in accordance with State and Federal regulations and reviewed by EHRS.
• The Department Chair or Area Head is responsible for ensuring that standard operating procedures (SOP) are in place for the safe use and operation and that all ventilation systems are operating appropriately and are maintained according to the requirements as specified by the manufacturer or appropriate regulation(s).

Visit the Laboratory Ventilation Program for additional information.