Keeping Air Fresh
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.
Spray Paint in Research Laboratory Hoods
Standard chemical fume hoods found in BU laboratories are not designed for routine use in spray painting activities. According to NFPA 33 (Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials) and OSHA 1910.107, spray finishing involving flammable materials must be conducted in a designated spray booth or spray room. Laboratory fume hoods do not meet these definitions, and using them for such purposes creates potential fire hazards and long-term mechanical risks. The University has spray paint booths that are available for use with your research for safe, compliant spray paint activities. Contact EH&S if your work involves "incidental use" of spray paint for further consultation.
Ductless Fume Hoods
Ductless fume hoods are manufactured, stand alone units that can provide protection from specific hazardous fumes and vapors through filtration of the air within the unit and exhausting that air back into the ambient air of the laboratory, rather than ventilating out of the building like a standard chemical fume hood. While in certain situations these hoods may be beneficial, it is important to note that ductless hoods are not often recommended and should not be used in lieu of a standard chemical fume hood. NFPA 45 (Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals) details the requirements for use of a ductless fume hood.
If your laboratory is exploring the option of using a ductless fume hood as part of their research, please reach out to EH&S to discuss this further to determine if this is an appropriate engineering control in your space.
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