Basic Documentation

Table Of Contents
Laboratory Ventilation Codes and Standards
Siemens Industry, Inc. 20
Topic Requirement(s) Commentary
When
Required &
Safe Usage
(Continued)
Scientific Equipment & Furniture Association
SEFA 1-2006 Recommended Practices for Laboratory Fume Hoods
6.1 The employer is responsible for ensuring that the hood meets satisfactory safety
standards. A hood operator is responsible for ensuring that the hood is used in a safe
manner and according to your organization’s safety guidelines. A hood operator is
also responsible for helping their organization maintain proper operation of the hood
systems.
The following guidelines are provided to help reduce your potential for exposure
when working with hazardous materials.
Plan for conducting experiments.
Wear appropriate personal protection.
Verify proper system operation.
Utilize proper work practices.
6.5.2 Desired Operator Position and Movements
The hood user should always be aware of locations within the hood where
concentrations of contaminants can accumulate. The user should never allow his
head to break the plane of the sash because this will cause contaminated air to pass
through the breathing zone.
When materials are being generated in the hood, ensure that you slowly approach
and withdraw from the hood. The wake zone created by movement near the hood
opening can withdraw materials from within the hood.
Rapid arm and body movements near the hood opening should be avoided.
6.5.3 Proper Configuration of Vertical and Horizontal Sliding Sashes
The vertical rising sash should always be lowered as much as possible to protect the
user and to minimize visual obstruction from sash handle. Raise the sash to full open
position for set-up purposes only.
Reducing the sash to below the user’s breathing zone provides a protective barrier
between the researcher and the experiment.
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