DCHAS-L Archives, Nov 08 2012 - Re: [DCHAS-L] Utility panel modification inside fume hood

Without laying my eyes on the specific hood/situation, my response can't be taken as fool-proof but several things to consider:

1) I assume pump is in its own (non-rated underneath cabinet) - don't want to compromise FM rating of potentially future value flamm liq storage space

2) Coming straight from beneath and up through bench is an off-the-shelf design option and is generally okay (preferable) assuming the channel stub-out is at least as high as the recessed spill containment portion of hood btop and appropriately sealed from allowing spilt liquid from leaking downward (epoxy or similar)

3) Penetrating beneath and out thru side of cab and routing up side and in through side wall or utility panel can be safely accomplished I believe. Need to make sure appurtenances, tubing etc don't interfere with sash counter-weight travel, cables, etc.

4) I believe that contiguous tubing as opposed to fittings may be preferable to ensure best control of vacuum but I can also envision proper ways to allow fittings/connections to allow efficient change of tubing.

5) Ensure "hidden" tubing is inspected periodically.

Hope that helps a bit.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Utility panel modification inside fume hood
From: Mary Ellen A Scott <mas35**At_Symbol_Here**CASE.EDU>
Date: Thu, November 08, 2012 9:26 am
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU

Hi,

Has anyone ever altered their their fume hood? Here's my issue:

Many of our researchers use a vacuum pump under the fume hood and plumb the vacuum hose through the utility panel in order to connect to the glassware inside the work area.

This leaves the panel off or ajar inside the hood disrupting the vortex and permitting harmful vapors to enter inside the hood and possibly the surrounding area.

We would like to drill a hole into the utility panel to permit vacuum hose to enter snugly and permit the hood to function properly.

Would there be any special safety concerns in cutting out a hole in the panel due to the while poly resin material?

Would you have a better idea on how to get the hose into the hood?

We have drilled through the work platform in the past but most researchers use the utility panel entry. It seems that entry through the front of the hood interferes with worker use, leaves sash open and takes up more space.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Mary Ellen

--
Mary Ellen Scott, PhD.
Safety Specialist II
Case Western Reserve University
EHS - Environmental Health and Safety
Service Building 1st Floor Rm 113
2220 Circle Dr.
Cleveland, OH 44106-7227
216-368-6077
216-368-2236 (Fax)
maryellen.scott**At_Symbol_Here**case.edu
"There is no science without fancy and no art without fact" - Vladimir Nabokov (1899-1977)

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