The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (University) is committed to providing students, faculty and staff who work in laboratories with engineering controls that minimize their exposure to hazardous materials. The National Academy of Sciences has found that, “Laboratory fume hoods are the most important component used to protect laboratory workers from exposure to hazardous chemicals and agents used in the laboratory.” A hood is also an excellent physical barrier against chemical splashes and explosions. OSHA’s Laboratory Standard relies on having a properly working hood.
The design of laboratory hood and ventilation systems must consider their physical environment and integration into the building’s supply and exhaust systems. System components include the hood, supply air, exhaust requirements, general room ventilation and Variable Air Volume (VAV) controls.
As described in the Guidelines, a rigorous, detailed review process for the entire
ventilation system must be undertaken early in the project. Design and construction must follow coordinated, sequential steps to assure that all components of the system are considered and will perform properly.
The hoods are actually made for chemistry labs, not biology labs, as they suck unfiltered air into the hood, to make harmful chemicals less concentrated, instead of sucking air out, to make the hood sterile.
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