GCC Microbiology Fume Hood Fume Hood Control Systems

Gcc ducted fume hood

The purpose of a chemical fume hood is to prevent the release of hazardous substances into the general laboratory space by controlling and then exhausting hazardous and/or odorous chemicals.

Primary engineering controls like fume hoods, biosafety cabinets and laminar flow benches are referred to as "hoods", “fume hoods”, “cell culture hoods” or “laminar flow hoods” yet each are entirely different categories of laboratory equipment, and multiple enclosure types can often fall under these general terms. Knowing the type of enclosure you need, and knowing the terminology helps ensure personnel and procedures are safe. Each type of hood is built to safely handle the laboratory hazards for which it is designed, but they differ in terms of the type(s) of protection provided, airflow patterns and suitable applications.

In short, fume hoods are ventilated enclosures that protect personnel by removing hazardous chemical fumes and volatile vapors from the work area by exhausting the air outside. Biological safety cabinets (or biosafety cabinets or BSCs) utilize HEPA filters to provide environmental, personnel and product protection from hazardous particulates like bacteria and viruses and typically recirculate filtered air back to the lab (depending on Type). Laminar flow workstations also utilize HEPA filters, but only protect the application or product, not the personnel.

If tasked with selecting a "hood" for a laboratory, below are some common points for consideration. As improper selection or use of equipment can yield significant consequences for health and safety, always consult your safety officer or industrial hygienist for recommendations based on your specific applications. The enclosure you select for various laboratory applications should be listed in the chemical hygiene plan and/or outlined in the biological risk assessment.