Laboratory Fume Hood

Carroll Seating does more than just auditorium and theatre seating. We also design and install casework and other laboratory items including fume hoods. 

Laboratory Casework

When you are looking into getting efficient and resilient laboratory casework to ensure the integrity of your scientific research, you may encounter a type of lab equipment called a fume hood. These devices are important for your lab work, particularly if you are working with potentially dangerous chemicals. Learn more about fume hoods, their importance as laboratory casework, and the different types of fume hoods available.

What Is a Fume Hood?

A laboratory fume hood, sometimes also known as an exhaust hood, is a device that contains a space completely enclosed to the rest of the lab environment, except for necessary ductwork connected to mechanical ventilation, as well as exhaust purposes on three sides, top, and bottom. Operated through the restricted use of arms and hands by the user, this type of laboratory casework uses the ventilation to draw fumes, gases, and vapors inwards, and exhausts them into the atmosphere outside the lab.

Purpose of a Fume Hood

The primary function of this laboratory casework is the safety of lab workers. Fume hoods accomplish this specifically by:

Isolating the fumes, vapors, and gases created by chemicals and expelling them through the laboratory’s exhaust system.

Protecting the operators and other lab workers from solid or liquid hazards, as well as chemical reactions like explosions, splashes, or fires. A sliding window, called a sash, adjusts the flow of air and determined how quickly air flows through the fume hood

Contributing to the laboratory’s overall ventilation as air flows through the hood.

Types of Fume Hood

Most laboratories use two different types of fume hoods:

Constant air volume (CAV). This type of laboratory casework pulls in and exhausts air at the same rate regardless of he position of the sash. If the sash is lowered the velocity of the airflow increases proportionally, with the effect reversed if the sash is raised.

Variable air volume (VAV). This fume hood works in conjunction with other exhaust control systems so that the velocity of the airflow responds to the status of the sash. Therefore, if the sash raises or lowers, the system modulates the velocity to keep it consistent at any time.

Best Safety Work Practices

Just like with most laboratory casework, you can maintain the efficiency of the fume hood and the overall safety of the environment by following safe practices during operation. Use the following safe work practices when operating a fume hood:

Conduct all experiments at least six inches away from the hood
Maintain the sash closed as much as possible
Handle the materials slowly and precisely
Do not use the laboratory casework as waste disposal
Keep the device free from obstructions

As you have seen, a fume hood is an essential laboratory component that protects the people in the lab and the rest of the building from dangerous chemicals and unexpected reactions. Carroll Seating provides laboratories with products from Institutional Casework Inc. The manufacturer’s specific product, the Jamestown Metal fume hood, combines maximum isolation design with approved architectural standards to create a unique, but safe, type of laboratory casework.

Interested in this device? Contact Carroll Seating today to order the best fume hood option for your work, as well as other laboratory casework needs.

Sources:
https://www.carrollseating.com/casework/laboratory-casework-2/
https://www.iciscientific.com/category/jamestown-fume-hoods-isolator-series
https://blink.ucsd.edu/safety/research-lab/chemical/hoods/index.html
https://ehs.ucsc.edu/lab-safety-manual/hoods.html
https://ehs.princeton.edu/node/367

Technology and education are two fields that will continue to move forward, adapt and evolve. That being so, school libraries must evolve as well. Despite their reputation as dusty, book-collecting, quiet places, modern libraries have adapted to the needs of the next generation of students, using the latest in technology and library furniture. Learn more about the current trends present in modern school libraries.

Technological Resources

One of the most obvious modern trends for libraries is the increased use of technology. Students now have greater access to technological resources, such as tablet PCs, eBooks, open source, and other tools. Librarians are adapting to the increased use of technology by facilitating use of these new gadgets. Library furniture, for example, is adapting to students who use laptops, mobile phones, and other gadgets by integrating wireless charging stations and other considerations for these devices.

Cost-Efficiency

Technology not only benefits students, but library staff as well. The increased use of technological resources, such as academic databases and remote library services, increases the capabilities and options for libraries without taking up space held by library furniture or physical books and archives. As a result, administrators can benefit from cost-efficient libraries that will operate at a more advanced level, and spend money on other tasks, such as updating library furniture, maintenance, and other essential costs.

Inclusive Spaces

Children with developmental disabilities and within the autism spectrum have specific needs when it comes to certain library activities. Some school libraries are creating more inclusive spaces by developing storytelling programs that emphasize sensory storytime and an increase in color and visuals. More comfortable and safe library furniture and seating are also in demand. Other children can also benefit from these inclusive spaces and activities.

Expansion of Librarian Roles

As a result of the increased library activities and resources, librarians will have to fulfill multiple new roles. Modern librarians are now increasingly savvy with technology and have greater involvement in the academic success of the patrons. This role expansion has some positive aspects, as it outgrows the stereotype of the librarian the strict enforcer of silence.

Focus on Community Learning

The emphasis in technology frees up space in libraries. Beyond the use of sleek library furniture, there is a potential for these spaces to become learning stations for the larger community. Several libraries have used the extra space to allow for additional educational opportunities, such as video and photo production for interested teenagers, craft lessons for small children, and activities for non-student patrons such as senior citizens. Adaptable library furniture is necessary for the growing variety of non-library activities.

If you are considering embracing your school library as a learning community space for students and staff, you will need the right library furniture to accomplish it. Carroll Seating is a proud provider of Worden Company furniture products. From sleek tables and desks to efficient bookcases and charging stations, we will supply the ideal library furniture that will facilitate these trends. Contact Carroll Seating to learn more about our library furniture options, such as bookcases, tables, and chairs, that will bring your library up to date.

Sources:
https://www.teachthought.com/literacy/10-ways-the-library-of-the-future-will-be-different/
https://www.theedadvocate.org/libraries-of-the-future-where-trends-are-taking-k-12-public-school-libraries/
http://geiendorsed.com/blog/beyond-the-classroom/school-libraries-of-the-future-5-trends-to-watch/
http://wordencompany.com/