Fume cupboards, commonly referred to as fume hoods, are essential safety devices frequently used in laboratory or educational settings. They contain hazardous fumes, vapours, and gases during chemical experiments, protecting students and lab staff from exposure to toxic substances. Although universities understand the fundamentals of operating a fume cupboard, they often lack the knowledge to make a confident purchasing decision. However, fear not. Our solution designers have concocted a fume-filled guide to help our educational fellows feel right at home.
There are two main categories of fume cupboards for universities: ducted & ductless. Ducted fume cupboards remove toxic fumes using a duct system connected to an exhaust stack on the exterior of the building. On the other hand, ductless fume cupboards filter chemicals and particulates using HEPA or carbon filters and recirculate air back into the lab. The category you choose depends on the type and frequency of the experiment taking place. However, ducted fume cupboards are usually the preferred choice in higher education, thanks to their versatility. These cabinets are compatible with a broader range of concentrated acids and require less maintenance overall.
When developing the specification of your product, you also need to consider the requirements of your students. In the UK, an estimated 16.1 million people had a disability in 2022. Accessibility, in the form of height-adjustable stands, touch-screen control systems, and non-grip gas taps, should be a priority in your decision-making process. If unsure, contact a qualified professional for assistance.
At TION, our technical helpline can walk you through the specification process, ensuring you have the right fume cabinet for your application.
Before investing in a fume cupboard, it’s essential to assess the physical constraints of your building. Factors such as ceiling height, available floor space, and structural support can influence both the type of fume cupboard you choose and its final placement within the lab. Ducted systems, for instance, require sufficient clearance for ductwork and roof penetrations, which may not be feasible in older or listed university buildings.
Likewise, a ductless cabinet may offer more flexibility in terms of placement but could still require a dedicated power supply and space for airflow. Evaluating these elements early in the design phase can save valuable time, reduce costs, and prevent last-minute design changes.
Another key consideration is the department's ventilation and service infrastructure. For ducted fume cupboards, you will need to confirm whether the lab has adequate extraction routes and make-up air capacity to maintain safe operating conditions. Electrical access, water lines, and gas services must also be factored into the final layout.
If your laboratory space is part of a shared facility, you may need to coordinate with other departments to ensure that the installation doesn’t disrupt ongoing research or teaching. By addressing these constraints during the planning phase, you can ensure a smoother installation process and avoid costly delays further down the line.
Installing a fume cupboard is a complex and time-consuming task requiring substantial resources and investment. There are numerous challenges to consider, including ventilation (as previously mentioned), make-up air and safety, to name a few. However, your fume cupboard distributor should provide accurate information and timeframes regarding the installation process to ensure your lectures are not adversely affected.
You may need to restrict student access to specific parts of the lab, but this depends on the work being performed. On average, a ducted fume cupboard takes three to seven days to install, depending on the complexity of the project. Alternatively, a ductless fume cupboard takes two to four hours.
Unlike many long-standing pharmaceutical, biotechnology and chemical manufacturing companies, universities cater to different skill sets. You could be a seasoned professional or a new student witnessing a fume hood for the first time.
Developing a comprehensive list of safety procedures is crucial to protecting your staff and students from potential hazards. PPE is a prime example. Nevertheless, safety is useless without a strict training program. Although fume cabinets are designed to prevent accidents, the operator is always the first point of contact.
All fume cabinets must be tested once every 14 months in accordance with BS EN 14175 standards. Typically, the annual testing includes face velocity, smoke pattern visualisation and testing of alarms and safety devices. These tests ensure your fume cabinet is safe for you and your students to operate. They also provide accurate data on the health of your machine. In the event of a fault, our qualified engineers can repair or replace any faulty components.
At TION, we offer standard service contracts ranging from 12, 24 and 36 months so your teaching staff can focus on what they do best. Teaching. So, there you have it, a guide to fume cupboards for universities.
Our Expert Opinion: Remember, specifying a fume extraction system is a challenging task. Involving the necessary expertise can reduce project lead times and prevent common pitfalls. Utilise the knowledge inside your faculty, ask questions, understand the building parameters and fine-tune the product to suit your unique needs. If you have any questions regarding our content, please get in touch with our customer service team on +44 (0) 1223 790028. Alternatively, you can email us online by visiting our Contact Us page.
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