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. Ductless fume cupboards filter chemicals and particulates using HEPA or carbon filters and recirculate air back into the lab. Which category you choose depends on the type and frequency of the experiment taking place. If unsure, contact a qualified professional for assistance. At TION, our technical helpline can walk you through the process, ensuring you have the right fume cabinet for your application.
Installing a fume cupboard is a complex and time-consuming task requiring substantial resources and investment. There are numerous challenges to consider, including ventilation (if ducted), 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. If you have any questions regarding today's content, please contact our customer service team on +44 (0) 1223 790028. Alternatively, you can email us online by visiting our Contact Us page.
