Thursday, February 21, 2002 • Vol 8, Issue 4
Is the sensor for your laboratory's chemical fume-hood sash broken?
The Center's Kewaunee chemical fume hoods have been experiencing sash-position sensor failures.
Sensor failures are attributed to stress on the sensor by normal use or damage to the sensor. Bottles or equipment bumping the sensor typically create damaged sensors.
The sensor controls a chemical fume hood's ability to maintain the proper exhaust and reduction of air contaminants.
If the proper exhaust is not maintained, employees may risk exposure to air contaminants.
The sash-position sensor is mounted inside the chemical fume hood along the right hand side of the sash guide. If it is broken, call Facilities Engineering at 206-667-4245 for repairs.
If you need to continue use of the chemical fume hood with a broken sensor, slide the sensor up to the position that the chemical fume hood sash will be at while you are working in the hood.
Facilities Engineering is working with the manufacturer toward an improved sensor.
The department performs quarterly evaluations of the chemical fume hoods, and Environmental Health & Safety performs annual chemical fume-hood certifications. The evaluations and certifications include assessment of the sash-position sensor.
If you have questions regarding the proper use of chemical fume hoods, contact the Environmental Health & Safety Department at 206-667-4866.
Or call Michael Ochs, center industrial hygienist, at 206-667-4246.
