A proper science lab should include a lot of key elements to not only improve the work environment but follow proper safety protocols as well. If you run a scientific lab, then learn about the importance of a fume hood and why these products should be essential to the lab environment.
1. Protects Workers
When working with hazardous materials, you want workers to remain as protected as possible. A fume hood features a ventilation system that will suck out hazardous materials so workers do not inhale them. The use of a fume hood should be a part of everyday lab use much like other safety equipment including lab jackets and goggles.
With fume hoods, you can ensure lab worker safety, including both immediate health issues and issues that occur when workers get exposed to chemicals over long periods of time. Without proper protection, workers can run into health problems that impact their lives and possibly hold you liable for not providing a safe work environment.
2. Eliminates Fire Risks
Not only does a fume hood protect lab workers, but it can eliminate fire risks. The ventilation system will prevent fumes from staying in the air. If fumes stay in the air of a lab, then they could react with other substances and result in a fire. A fume hood keeps the fumes contained and features easy-to-use switches to ensure everything gets properly ventilated.
3. Provides Proper Ventilation
A fume hood installation includes connections to proper vents within the lab. If you already have a ventilation system, then the fume hood can connect to the same system. If not, then you can purchase add-on options. The built-in controls allow workers to easily ventilate the area and ensure no fumes can escape from the design. Every new fume hood you install will come with detailed instruction manuals so you can understand the full scope and operation of the device.
4. Creates Accurate Results
When working with lab materials, you want to ensure you have accurate results and are not dealing with any unaccounted variables as part of the process. The containment windows and safeguards set within a fume hood do not just keep vapors and elements from escaping. The protections will also help prevent contaminants from getting inside the fume hood.
Through these safeguards, you can trust results and continue other work in the lab that does not require the fume hood.
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5. Proper ADA Compliance
If you need to follow ADA rules in your lab, then you can purchase a fume hood with proper ADA compliance. This includes proper controls and functions that anyone wheelchair-bound can access. Not only does this match with proper ADA compliance, but you can make the operation of a fume hood easier for everyone involved. If your lab already has an older fume hood, then the new one can provide your lab with upgraded parts, better performance, and easy access for all of your workers.
Keep all of these reasons in mind when you decide to add or upgrade a fume hood to your scientific lab.