Mary Ellen:

  What part of the fume hood are you referring to when you say “utility panel”? Ifyou 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.

 

 

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 notbe 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 space integrity.

Would anyone have a policy on hood repairs like the above or comments? 
As always, thank you for your thoughts in advance.

Mary Ellen