Dear all,

Can I please get some opinions on use of recirculating fume hoods?

We are looking at their potential use, primarily in undergraduate teaching. I’m sure we have all experienced the ‘hurricane’ effect from too many fume hoods in use.

Also the attractiveness of portability, environmental friendliness etc. that ‘ductless’ fume hoods seem to offer.

Here is an extract from our Australian/New Zealand Standard on these things:

AS/NZS 2243.9:2009 10

COPYRIGHT

2.2 LIMITATIONS OF USE

The recirculating fume cabinet shall not be used in the following circumstances (see also

Clauses 6.2, 6.6.2.3 and 6.6.2.4):

(a) For work with organic solvents which are only physically absorbed on the absorber

and the solvents -

(i) have boiling points less than 75=B0C; and

(ii) are evaporated in quantities of more than 50 mL per day.

NOTE: Fume from these organic solvents can be insufficiently delayed on the filter unless

chemisorption takes place, i.e. a chemical reaction between the absorbent and the solvent

fume.

(b) Where more than 50 mL of corrosive liquids are involved in a reaction or process that

generates fumes.

(c) Where perchloric acid digestions are carried out.

(d) Where other acid digestions are carried out except where these are conducted in

closed systems.

(e) Where infectious organisms are handled (see AS/NZS 2647 and AS 2252).

(f) Where Category 1 and Category 2 carcinogens (see NOHSC 1008), except those

which are chemisorbed by the filter, are used.

(g) Where radioactive materials exceeding ten times the annual limit of intake for

inhalation* are used.

(h) Where temperature and humidity extremes can affect filter operation.

However I don’t need to tell you guys that standards are not law.

 

Thanks in advance, Paul

____________________________________________

Paul Dover
Resources Manager
Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Action
Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Monash University (Parkville Campus)
381 Royal Parade, Parkville
Victoria, 3052. Australia

Phone: +61 3 9903 9551
Fax:   +61 3 9903 9143

Email: Paul.Dover**At_Symbol_Here**pharm.monash.edu.au
Web:   http://www.pharm.monash.edu.au