Procedure 3:
Proper Fume Hood Use

Policy

UVM is committed to managing its hazardous chemicals in a way that prevents their release to the environment. In line with this goal, evaporation of hazardous materials in fume hoods for the purpose of disposal is forbidden.

Fume hoods are used to control exposure to vapor emissions during experimental processes, and may increase the evaporation rate of the chemicals being used. To minimize the potential for air pollution as a result of fume hood use:

• close caps tightly to minimize the escape of vapors to prevent undue evaporation of volatile materials in the fume hood,
• prevent storing chemicals, including wastes, in the fume hood. Excess storage clutters the hood work space and inhibits the air flow needed for proper fume hood operation.

Evaporation of materials in fume hoods is almost entirely controlled by laboratory work practices.

All fume hoods will be checked annually for proper function. This is documented by a sticker which includes face velocity and inspection date. This sticker also reminds laboratory workers of their responsibilities for proper hood use. This sticker was designed with advise by the American Chemical Society.

Plan

Who:

Laboratory workers and supervisors will make the determination about which materials are appropriate to use in a fume hood and are responsible for proper hood use.

ESF staff are responsible for annually certifying the proper functioning of each hood and documenting this with the appropriate sticker.

When:

Waste containers will be closed at all times except when material is being added to or taken from the container.

Laboratory workers will consult ESF staff when they are unsure of proper fume hood use, materials storage, waste disposal procedures or whether the hood is functioning properly.

Where:

This policy will apply to all laboratories covered by the UVM Chemical Hygiene Plan or the UVM Environmental Management Plan

Procedure

Records

The Environmental Safety Facility staff will maintain an ongoing list of fume hood locations for review by campus facility planners, assisting in resolving Indoor Air Quality concerns and review by auditors

The presence of the "No Evaporation" sticker will be checked annually by ESF staff during the fume hood certification rounds. This will be recorded on the fume hood certification form.