The utility panel(s) are located inside the workplace along both sides of the hood and are used to access the plumbing for the water, air and gas outlets which are located next to the panel (s).
On Thu, Dec 1, 2011 at 12:39 PM, Michael E. Richardson
<mrichardson**At_Symbol_Here**flowsciences.com> wrote:
What part of the fume hood are you referring to when you say "utility panel"? If you are talking about the back where the small openings are
inside the work area, then yes you are absolutely right. I know this as the baffle (or with our enclosures the plenum). It is specifically designed for best air flow with this in place.
V/R,
Mike
Hello Everyone,
When the utility panel on a chemical fume hood is missing is it safe to allow work to be preformed in the hood?
I would say work (synthesis, toxic gas use and powder decanting) should not be preformed until the panel be replaced for the following reasons:
1. Eddyies in the hood are likely to be form which may cause loss of containment.
2.Chemicals vapors are going into areas where they are not suppose go and may cause deterioration of the plumbing and joints
3. High Performance and Low flow hoods would be especially vulnerable to the loss of work spaceintegrity.
Would anyone have a policy on hood repairs like the above or comments?
As always, thank you for your thoughts inadvance.
Mary Ellen
--
Mary Ellen Scott, PhD.
Safety Specialist II
Case Western Reserve University
EHS - Environmental Health and Safety
Service Building 1st Floor Rm 113
2220 Circle Dr.
Cleveland, OH 44106-7227
216-368-6077
216-368-2236 (Fax)
maryellen.scott**At_Symbol_Here**case.edu"There is no science without fancy and no art without fact" - Vladimir Nabokov
(1899-1977)
