Seven Questions to Be Answered Before Choosing Fume Hood

If your company works with toxic chemicals, you know the important role a fume hood plays in removing dangerous substances.

Simply put, operating without one can be reckless, and even deadly.

Installing a fume hood in your working area, however, isn’t quite as clear cut. You know you need a fume hood to minimize your workers’ exposure to hazardous materials through inhalation, skin absorption or ingestion.

But deciding which type of fume hood you need, as well as what customized details best meet any safety requirements, can be overwhelming.

An expert fume hood manufacturer can help you navigate your options. However, finding the right manufacturer to meet your needs is just as important as the hood itself. The best manufacturers will look at your project specifications, budget and safety concerns, and customize a fume hood based on these requirements.

Below are 5 questions the right fume hood manufacturer will ask to ensure the needs of your company and its workers are prioritized.

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What Are Your Future Plans?

It seems like a broad question, but knowing what your needs are - both now and in the future - is important when determining what type of fume hood to install.

While both ducted and ductless fume hoods remove vapors, dusts, gases and fumes that are created within the hood, the environments in which they operate best differ.

Considered the more standard choice, ducted fume hoods have ventilated enclosures and operate within the framework of your building infrastructure. They pull toxic fumes out of your laboratory through an HVAC system.

On the other hand, ductless fume hoods are self-contained and work well for laboratories where mobility is necessary. Laboratories that handle light to moderate chemical loads or have plans to expand to a different location also may find ductless fume hoods to be a better choice operationally and financially.

Our article, Laboratory Fume Hood: Ducted Vs. Ductless, further explores the differences between the two types of hoods so you can better gauge which option is best for your workspace.

What Chemicals Do You Use?

Perhaps the most important question you will need to answer is what types of chemicals you will use in the fume hood.

In ductless fume hoods, for example, only certain types of chemicals can be used, and in certain quantities. Ductless fume hoods also cannot handle the extreme heating of chemicals.

There are also several specialty hoods that can be customized based on the types of chemicals you use, including the hood’s surfaces, accessories and ventilation capabilities.

Other questions you may need to answer include:

• How many different chemicals does your lab use?
• Of these chemicals, are you working with small or large volumes?
• Will the chemicals you are using adequately filter through carbon?
• How experienced is your staff in working with chemicals? (This directly impacts the risk for exposure.)

Along these same lines, the source of heat and its placement within the hood may vary based on the chemicals used in your lab.

Where Are You Going To Place The Hood?  

Where you plan to place a hood determines a lot of the details a hood manufacturer will need to know, including its size. 

Fume hoods and their enclosures vary greatly. They can be small - just a couple feet wide and tall - or they can be large at several feet wide and tall. Knowing the measurement of the space where you plan to install the hood can help a manufacturer narrow down which options are available to you.

Manufacturers also can help you determine whether the space you have designated for the hood will allow it to work at its maximum efficiency. For example, each of the items below can affect the efficiency of a fume hood:

• Foot traffic nearby
• Proximity to doorways and windows
• The location of emergency stations
• Workflow pattern to the lab itself
• What ductwork and exterior fans are already present

What Is Your Budget?

A fume hood manufacturer looks at many different components when determining what type of hood best meets the needs of your workspace.

In addition to the type of hood itself, manufacturers will examine any service fixtures or accessories you need, including:

• Access to water, vacuum and gas lines
• Airflow monitors
• Sash stops and auto sash returns
• Sink and electrical outlets
• Countertop options

Adding options like corrosive, flammable or standard cabinets to any laboratory fume hood also can be a simple and efficient process. Knowing your budget ahead of time will give you a better idea of the size of fume hood, which can range significantly in price, to any fixtures you wish to add.

This Fume Hood Checklist can help you evaluate what you need in your space so you can receive a more accurate quote.

How Quickly Do You Need Your Hood?

One of the biggest challenges laboratory and other facility managers face is getting the product they need in a timely manner. Especially in situations where fume hoods are customized to meet specific needs, how quickly you receive your fume hood and have it installed can impact the efficiency of your workspace.

A high-quality fume hood manufacturer will work with you to address any deadline challenges you face, while at the same time, never compromising quality. 

Bottom Line

Installing a fume hood in your laboratory or industrial workspace is a major, but necessary purchase if you work with toxic chemicals. Though a fume hood is a common piece of laboratory equipment, it plays a major role in securing the safety of your employees and meeting any state, federal and industry regulations.

A high-quality fume hood manufacturer will work with you to address your lab’s specifications, your budget and and any safety concerns you have in order to customize a fume hood that allows your lab to meet its goals.

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