Standard operating procedure for Fume hood

1.0 Purpose:
The purpose of this guideline is to detail the safe use and operations of a fume
hood.
2.0 Definition:
Fume hoods are designed to minimize exposure of laboratory personnel to
hazardous chemical compounds through the continuous removal of air from inside
the fume hood enclosure and work space through the duct to be exhausted to the
outside. Fume hoods may also provide additional protection because the fume
hood enclosure may contain splashes.
Working Principle: An exhaust fan situated on the top of the laboratory building
pulls air and airborne contaminants through connected ductwork and exhausts
them to the atmosphere. The type of fume hood used in our lab is an Auxiliary Air
fume hood. Auxiliary air fume hoods are Constant volume hoods .The hoods uses
exhaust air from two sources, the room supply air and an auxiliary supply air from
outside.

3.0 Abbreviations:
SDS: Safety data sheet
PPE: Personal protective equipment

Supplier: Modern Lab furnishers

Model: Constant volume fume hoods
 4.0 Procedure
4.1 Read the SDS of the materials being used in a fume hood. Note and
observe any precautions regarding the use of the chemical in a fume
hood.
4.2 Turn on the fluorescent light and cabinet fan 5 minutes before work
begins.
4.3 Active air shall flow from clean to contaminated areas across the work
surface.
4.4 Open the sash slowly and only when required. It will be open only as
much as needed, in order to maintain effective capture of chemical fumes
and to act as a safety shield to the worker.
4.5 Confirm inward air flow by holding a tissue at the middle of the edge of
the viewing panel and ensuring it is drawn in.
4.6 Equipment needed for work must be placed at least 16 cm inside the
fume hood and ensure there is a 3 —6 cm air gap around any large bulky
equipment in the hood.
4.7 Keep the working area of the fume hood clear of clutter and waste
materials. Fume hood is NOT to be used as storage cabinet as it will
reduce air flow and compromise fume hood extraction efficiency.
4.8 Do NOT store items at the back of the working area in the fume hood.

5.0 Completion
6.1 At the end of the experiment, decontaminate the fume hood surfaces
and equipment, if necessary.
6.2 Return equipment and chemical bottles to their respective storage
cabinets. Keep the sash fully closed when the fume hood is not in use.