Introduction to Chemical Fume Hoods

Chemical Fume Hoods, when used properly and kept in optimal working order, provide an important engineering control that protects users from inhalation of hazardous vapors and gases. Environmental Safety provides training and labeling to help people use fume hoods correctly. You can find the on line course at our http://esf.uvm.edu/courses

Supervisors are responsible for making sure that all personnel receive the appropriate safety training before entering the lab or whenever new procedures or hazards are introduced. Refresher training is best provided at regular intervals. Document any lab-specific training that is provided so it can be audited at any time.

Straps and chains should be 2/3 - 3/4 of the way up on every gas cylinder and tightened at all times so gases do not fall over.

A laboratory decommissioning occurs when a room which contains a laboratory that uses hazardous chemicals undergoes: 

Laboratory Supervisor

Laboratory Safety Officer (LSO)

Laboratory Safety Officer Meetings

Visiting Researchers and Students

Laboratory Supervisors and Lab Safety Officers play critical roles in maintaining a culture of safety at UVM. 

PPE: The Last Line of Defense

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is considered the last line of defense against safety hazards, such as a chemical or biological exposure or a physical safety hazard. Since PPE can fail, those who wear PPE must be trained to understand its limitations. In order for PPE to protect the user, it must be stored, maintained and worn properly.

UVM encourages the reporting of all injuries and near misses in the workplace. This helps the Risk Management department to follow up with injured persons swiftly so they can help them get the proper care that they might need. Reporting also helps to prevent similar accidents from taking place in the future. 

Environmental Sustainability

5-1. Aspiration traps are set up according to IBC Standard Operating Procedure.

Proper aspiration vacuum flask set up (see image to right)

4-1. Doors are closed while work is in progress.

Laboratory doors must be closed for proper access control, separation of the laboratory work area from public access hallway and for proper biosafety cabinet functionality.