Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2006 16:58:48 -0400
Reply-To: Ralph Stuart <rstuart**At_Symbol_Here**uvm.edu>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: Ralph Stuart <rstuart**At_Symbol_Here**uvm.edu>
Subject: Fume hood sashes

A recent survey of our chemistry building's fume hoods found at least  
50% of the front edge air foils had been removed, presumably by the  
occupants. It appears that most of them were removed in order to  
attach gas cylinders to the front of the hoods.

I understand how bad an idea this is from a safety and aerodynamics  
point of view, but I wonder if this high rate of "user modification"  
is trying to tell us something? Are the users likely to be better off  
with the air foils removed despite the consequent decrease in  
containment? Or is this simply ignorance on the part of the fume hood  
users?

Any comments appreciated.

- Ralph

Ralph Stuart, CIH
Environmental Safety Manager
University of Vermont
Environmental Safety Facility
667 Spear St. Burlington, VT  05405

rstuart**At_Symbol_Here**uvm.edu
fax: (802)656-5407

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