Protecting Your Health in the Lab with Erlab Fume Hoods
In chemistry labs, the risk of inhaling hazardous chemicals is ever-present. Erlab specializes in containing, filtering, and returning clean air into the lab to ensure your safety. With 50 years of expertise in chemical filtration, Erlab provides easy safety communication through lights and beeps, remote status filter updates and alerts, full compliance with international filtration safety standard AFNOR NF X 15-211, and a high level of after-sale service from Labotec, the local supplier for Erlab.
Understanding the Risks
Chemicals used in laboratories often have strict permissible exposure limits (PEL) set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the USA, which are also applicable in many other countries. These limits are crucial for maintaining a safe working environment. For instance:
– Isopropyl ether PEL: ≤ 100 ppm – MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) PEL: ≤ 1 ppm
– Ethanolamine PEL: ≤ 3 ppm – Phenyl ether PEL: ≤ 3 ppm
– Tribromomethane PEL: ≤ 0.5 ppm
Exceeding these limits for prolonged periods (8 hours per day) can seriously jeopardize your health. Graham’s Law states that air molecules collide with toxic gas molecules, spreading them rapidly throughout the room, increasing the risk of exposure.
Erlab’s R&D laboratorys’ eValiQuest analysis looks at the interactions between molecules and validates the filtration technology adapted to your handling. Based on this scientific analysis, the laboratory recommends the type of equipment, filtration column configuration and enclosure size that will ensure your protection.
Limitations of Traditional Storage and Fume Hoods
Traditional fume hoods offer high airflow but can generate turbulence, potentially returning some chemical vapors towards the user through the front sash opening. Additionally, unventilated storage cabinets can release concentrated chemical vapors into your lab when opened, posing an immediate inhalation risk. This combination of factors makes it critical to choose advanced solutions for chemical handling and storage.
To ensure the safety of your fume hood, containment tests are essential. The SF6 tracer gas containment test verifies that no chemical vapors escape through the front sash opening. According to ASHRAE 110 and ANSI/AIHA Z9.5-2003 standards, when 4 liters per minute of SF6 tracer gas are injected into the fume hood, a maximum of 0.05 ppm should be detected at the nose level of a mannequin.
The Erlab Solution
Erlab’s fume hoods offer advanced solutions for safe chemical handling and storage:
– Superior Filtration: Effectively filters gases, solvents, powders, and particulates.
– Smart Technology: Smart-Light Communication indicates the hood’s operational status.
– Remote Monitoring: The eGuard App allows you to monitor the hood, change settings, and receive safety alerts remotely.
– Ergonomic Design: The 6° slanted sash offers optimal visibility and a comfortable workspace.
– Safety Standards Compliance: Meets AFNOR NFX 15 211/SEFA 9 standards.
– Enhanced Safety Features: Sensors detect solvent, acid, and formaldehyde saturation.
Case Study : TEFAL Laboratory
CHALLENGE AND CONSTRAINTS
Tefal conducted a risk analysis to determine the number of fume cupboards needed for the new laboratory. This analysis revealed that the planned ventilation system did not allow for the installation of a sufficient number of fume cupboards, as the building’s extractions had been undersized despite the substantial investment.
SOLUTION
Erlab conducted a chemical hazard analysis ahead of the manipulations to be carried out in the laboratory to propose the best protection solution for the client’s needs. This service is part of the ESP*
RESULT
Laboratory personnel now have a sufficient number of fume cupboards to carry out all their handling in complete safety.
Thanks to the installation of filtration fume cupboards, the volume of air treated in the building was reduced, while maintaining an air change rate of seven changes per hour. The building uses less energy and operating costs have been reduced. As a result, the number of air handling units was reduced from seven to four, freeing up space and reducing air handling costs with a return on investment estimated at two years.
READ ABOUT THE TEFAL CASE STUDY HERE
Case Study : Ajinomoto Omnichem
Ajinomoto Omnichem has a 300 m2 laboratory with 9 chemists who had to resolve an insufficient number of fume cupboards in their research and development (R&D) lab situated in a rented space. Their objective was to ensure the safe filtration, both for personnel and the external environment.
Ajinomoto Omnichem is now convinced of the effectiveness of Erlab filtration, thanks to the Erlab Safety Program*, which includes a chemical hazard analysis in advance of the project that guided them in choosing a safe and appropriate solution. Then, by Vinitex’s support in setting up GFH recirculating fume cupboards, improved their day-to-day efficiency. They are now convinced of the benefits of filtration and have the same level of confidence in their various fume cupboards, whether they use recirculation or extraction.
READ ABOUT THE AJINOMOTO OMNICHEM CASE STUDY HERE
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