Ventilation Hood Work Practices

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  • All work involving hazardous chemicals should be performed inside a ventilation hood.

  • Before work begins, check to be sure the hood fan is turned on.

  • Check the air flow by observing the monitor, or in the absence of a monitor use a "kimwipe" taped to the open sash.

  • Check the inspection sticker to determine if the hood has been currently (yearly) inspected and what performance rating it was given. If observable questions arise about inspection or current hood performance, contact the Center for Environmental Health & Safety (CEHS) for assistance.

  • Ventilation hoods should be used with the sash positioned at 18" or lower when possible for optimal performance and as a protective shield.

  • All equipment and materials should be located at least 6" back inside the hood from the sash face.

  • Large items should be elevated at least 2" from the hood base to insure air flow to the baffle opening at the rear interior base of the hood.

  • Do not use the ventilation hood as a storage cabinet. Excessive storage can obstruct air flow and cause areas of low air velocity at the face opening.

  • Do not extend face or head inside the hood.

  • Minimize traffic and other sources of cross drafts (i.e. open windows, doors, fans, etc.) which may pull contaminated air from the hood.

  • When using electrical equipment in a hood take extra precautions to prevent spark sources from causing fire or explosion. All electrical connections should be made outside the hood.

  • Do not use perchloric acid heated above ambient temperature in a ventilation hood unless it is a specifically designed perchloric acid hood with a wash-down system.

  • Emergency plans should be understood by all hood users in the event of an unexpected occurrence such as fire or explosion in the hood.

  • If assistance is needed regarding the safe operation of a ventilation hood, contact the Center for Environmental Health & Safety.