How To Maintain Benchtop Fume Hoods

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Want to know how you should maintain benchtop fume hoods for their better longevity? Give this article a read to find out answers to all your questions related to this matter.

Benchtop Fume Hoods have been in the scientific field serving various functions for quite a long time now. It is one of the safety devices that you can use in your lab in case there is sufficient exposure to harmful substances and emission of the same. It would help if you always took care of specific safety protocols accurately when handling toxic substances having a boiling point below 120 degrees centigrade. It is needless to mention the necessity of various chemical and considerably harmful substances in today’s world for expanding the horizon of science and research. This situation can also be compared to the phrase, necessary evilbecause only with their aid, can you find a better knowledge about the aspects you want to study.

This is where Benchtop Fume Hoods , along with other units such as Glove Boxes, Laminar Flow Hoods, Laboratory Fume Hoods, etc. come into the picture. Each of these units works in a specific and unique way to serve the same purpose,i.e., protection against hazardous substances. Benchtop Fume Hoods structurally are very similar to Laminar Flow Hoods. They are designed in a benchtop fashion and can be used as an enclosed ventilation system for venting out air containing toxic particles in the most secure way possible. They make sure that this air is not recirculated into the room or building any further.

Even though Benchtop Fume Hoods have the potential of working effectively in situations whendealing with toxicants, they should be aided with local ventilation systems or units for their proper functioning. Alongside this, they should be maintained from time to time and serviced in order to make sure that they can deliver maximum function. Many times, it is seen that even after having sufficient ventilation systems in your lab, there is not much effectiveness observed. This is because different elements of the benchtop fume hood should be separately serviced so that it can fight against fumes, dust, aerosols, vapors, particulate matters, and micro toxic components. A minor breakdown in any of the elements can cause malfunctioning of the whole unit as they work in an integrated manner.

This was an overview of Benchtop Fume Hoods so that you can understand the following segment of the article better. Let us now know how you can maintain them for satisfactory results.

  1. Avoid Airflow Disturbances:

While ensuring the unit has been correctly installed, you should keep in mind that the fundamental key to proper maintenance is to avoid airflow disturbances. Airflow interruption or momentary turbulence in any way can cease the function of Benchtop Fume Hoods. Things that you need to take into consideration are windows, doorways, ventilation, air diffusers, fans or air conditioner, pedestrian traffic, etc. It is best if you kept these in mind before installing the unit. Make sure that the factors mentioned above do not interrupt the airflow present within the same room where the unit is installed.

It is also recommended to refrain from moving too much around the hood as this can cause an interruption to the normal airflow.

  • Maintain a Cleaning Schedule:

As also stressed earlier, periodic cleaning is one of the prime tasks to follow if you want proper maintenance of the unit. Always try to keep the hood as clean and dry as possible In case of any chemical spills, wipe it right away because certain chemicals can interfere with the internal elements and affect its function. Additionally, try to follow a strict cleaning schedule and service the unit for looking after its condition from time to time. This is the best way to avoid any severe damages because, by regular check-ups, you will get to know about the slightest of damage that can create a serious issue in the near future.

Besides, remember the hood is a sensitive place, and you should not store anything in there. It is even better if you avoid keeping anything close to it because there are risk factors associated with keeping things near a Benchtop Fume Hood. In case you are using a ductless unit, make sure you service the filters and other essential elements monthly.

  • Follow Safety Recommendations:

Following certain generalized safety recommendations can be helpful in this case. If you are working with light-weighted materials, always make sure that they do not get sucked into the ventilation system. This can cause significant trouble. When working with large apparatus, ensure there is a difference of seven inches or more from the face of the hood. Also, when the hood is not at work, keep it closed.

Follow These Steps to Maintain Your Benchtop Fume Hood

With a habit of maintaining your unit, it will surely deliver better functions and last for a longer time. As you can see yourself, it is quite simple to maintain Benchtop Fume Hoods, all you need is determination and dedication. For a better lab environment, take care of these pointers and be safe.


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