Hazardous material guidelines mandate engineering controls be in place before personal protective gear. Each lab where chemical interactions take place is equipped with a the Right Fume Hood for the Job
Fume hoods work by directly and actively pulling chemical odors and vapors up through ventilation tube to the roof. However, not all fume hoods are created equally.
Bypass Fume Hoods
These are the original fume hoods most labs are equipped with. They pull the same amount of air whether open or closed, so they are not very energy efficient.
Variable Air Volume Fume Hoods
VAV Hoods increase or decrease the volume of air pulled through based on the sash opening. These hoods save energy.
Paint Booths
Special booths made specifically for spray painting are availabe in several facilities. Please do not spray paint in Fume Hoods as they are not designed for this.
Perchloric Acid Fume Hoods:
Perchloric acid may vaporize and form explosive crystals in the ductwork. If formed, the crystals are shock sensitive and form a serious danger to future maintenance personnel. Special perchloric acid fume hoods have a washdown feature that prevents the buildup of crystals. If you are using perchloric acid and are unsure if you have the correct fume hood, please contact EH&S for inspection.
For more information about fume hoods please contact:
Steve Endres, Industrial Hygienist
sendres@binghamton.edu
777-7012