1.
Make
sure that the exhaust blower is operating and air is entering the hood, prior
to starting an experiment.
2.
Do not
place your face inside the hood. Keep hands out as much as possible.
3.
Keep
sources of emission "6" inches inside the hood.
4.
Minimize
storage of chemicals in the hood. Clean up spills immediately. Periodically
clean hood interior, including fluorescent bulb panel. If volatile or corrosive
materials are stored in the hood, it should be in operation.
5.
Avoid
blocking off baffle exhaust slots in any manner. Elevate large equipment
"2" inches off the base of the fume hood.
6.
Be aware
of other room ventilation factors that may interfere with your fume hood
operation, such as open doors to labs, open windows, blocked exhaust ports or heating
and air conditioning vents.
7.
Avoid
cross drafts and disruptive air currents in front of the fume hood.
8.
Use the
sash as a safety shield when boiling materials or conducting an experiment with
reactive chemicals.
9.
Prepare
a plan of action in case of an emergency, such as a power failure, especially
when using extremely hazardous chemicals or acids.
10.
Periodically
check air flow through the hood using a source of visible smoke or other air
flow indicator, such as a Kim wipe. If air flow has changed, check ductwork,
blower, etc. to determine cause.
11.
Work
with the sash at the proper operating level as indicated by the arrows.