If airflow is poor, which action is recommended?

If airflow is poor, which action is recommended?

• A. Continue using the hood as long as you monitor it.
• B. Stop using the hood, close the sash, report to facilities/EHS
• C. Close the sash, monitor airflow, and continue using as needed
• D. Use alternative containment if needed and report to facilities; do not continue relying on the hood.

Answer: (D)

When airflow in a fume hood is poor, containment is compromised. The hood relies on consistent airflow to pull contaminants away from you and keep vapors from entering the room. If that airflow drops or is unstable, the hood can no longer provide reliable protection, so continuing to work under it increases your exposure risk and the potential release of hazardous fumes. The safest course is to stop relying on the hood and switch to a containment method that is verified to be functioning, then report the issue to Facilities/EHS so they can inspect and repair the hood. This might mean using an alternative containment or performing the task in a different safe setup while the hood is out of service. Actions like closing the sash, monitoring airflow, and continuing to work under the hood, or continuing to use the hood after stopping work, do not provide reliable protection when airflow is known to be inadequate.

When airflow in a fume hood is poor, containment is compromised. The hood relies on consistent airflow to pull contaminants away from you and keep vapors from entering the room. If that airflow drops or is unstable, the hood can no longer provide reliable protection, so continuing to work under it increases your exposure risk and the potential release of hazardous fumes.

The safest course is to stop relying on the hood and switch to a containment method that is verified to be functioning, then report the issue to Facilities/EHS so they can inspect and repair the hood. This might mean using an alternative containment or performing the task in a different safe setup while the hood is out of service.

Actions like closing the sash, monitoring airflow, and continuing to work under the hood, or continuing to use the hood after stopping work, do not provide reliable protection when airflow is known to be inadequate.