Most laboratories have specific provisions in their ventilation design to ensure the lab is well-ventilated and that the laboratory fume hood ventilation system is properly protected. Based on years of experience supporting laboratory equipment users, BOKA summarizes some practical laboratory ventilation management regulations and fume hood safety guidelines that apply to general laboratory management - helping lab managers, procurement teams, and technicians maintain a safer, more compliant workspace.
General Laboratory Ventilation Management Requirements
⒈After entering the laboratory, check that the ventilation system is working and that the ventilation fan is operating properly. The last person to leave the laboratory should turn off the ventilation system and ventilation fan.
⒉The person on duty is responsible for opening the laboratory doors and windows in the morning and closing them at night to maintain proper air exchange.
⒊Hazardous substances, volatile organic solvents, specific chemicals, or other odorous tests must be carried out inside a fume hood - never on an open bench.
Fume Hood Use Requirements and Operating Precautions
1. Environmental and Operating Precautions
The indoor air temperature should be maintained between -5°C and +40°C, with a 24-hour average not exceeding +25°C.
The laboratory should still be ventilated even when the fume hood is not in use, as this benefits the health and safety of test personnel - a point often overlooked in daily lab operations.
When more than two fume hoods share a single fan, the "on" and "off" switch should be controlled by only one operator to avoid conflicting operation. If another fume hood is temporarily not in use, close its vent using the air volume control valve rather than switching the fan on and off repeatedly. Frequent cycling not only shortens fan service life but also reduces the accuracy of ongoing experiments.
When the fume hood is in use, avoid interference from countercurrent airflow caused by personnel walking past or in front of the hood.
When the fume hood is in continuous use, replenish air for 10 minutes every 2 hours (i.e., open a window for ventilation). If the hood is used for more than 5 hours, open a window to prevent negative pressure from building up inside the room.
2. Fume Hood Safety Matters
It is prohibited to conduct experiments in the fume hood while the hood is not turned on.
It is prohibited to place your head inside the fume hood to operate equipment or observe reactions during an experiment.
It is prohibited to store or test flammable and explosive materials inside the fume hood.
It is prohibited to place mobile patch cords or electric wires inside the fume hood.
It is prohibited to conduct experiments mixing organic substances (prohibited by state regulation) with high-chlorine compounds inside the fume hood.
Do not place untested substances in the fume hood without proper safety precautions. If a chemical substance splashes out unexpectedly, cut off the power immediately.
When raising or lowering the sash, operate slowly and gently to avoid injuring your hand on the door handle.
During experiments, it is recommended to keep the sash opening between 100–150mm from the tabletop for optimal containment and airflow.
The operating area in front of the fume hood should be kept open and clear; avoid stacking items around the hood, as this can obstruct airflow and reduce containment efficiency.
If the fume hood begins to malfunction, or if you hear an abnormal fan sound, stop operation immediately. Repairs must be carried out by professional maintenance personnel - never attempt to disassemble or repair the unit yourself.
When the fume hood is not in use, avoid storing excessive test equipment or chemical substances on the ventilation countertop, and prohibit long-term stacking of materials.
If you notice poor ventilation performance, please contact your equipment supplier promptly for inspection and support.
How to Choose the Right Fume Hood for Your Laboratory
For B2B buyers and lab managers evaluating new equipment, selecting the right fume hood depends on several practical factors:
Application and chemical type - labs handling highly volatile or corrosive substances typically require higher face velocity and corrosion-resistant liner materials.
Lab layout and airflow design - ducted vs. ductless fume hoods suit different facility configurations and ventilation infrastructure.
Regulatory compliance - ensure the fume hood meets relevant safety standards (e.g., ANSI/ASHRAE, EN 14175) for your industry and region.
After-sales support - since fume hoods require regular inspection and professional maintenance, working with a supplier that offers reliable technical support is essential for long-term safety and performance.
This ventilation and fume hood use guidance applies broadly to general chemical, pharmaceutical, educational, and industrial laboratories, and can serve as a practical reference for lab managers developing or updating their internal safety protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a laboratory fume hood?
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A fume hood removes hazardous fumes, vapors, and dust from the lab environment, protecting personnel from exposure to volatile organic solvents and toxic chemicals during experiments.
How often should a fume hood be ventilated when not in use?
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Even when not actively used, the laboratory should remain ventilated. During active use, replenish air every 2 hours for 10 minutes, and open a window if the hood is used for more than 5 hours.
What is the recommended sash opening height for a fume hood?
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The recommended operating sash opening is typically 100–150mm from the tabletop to maintain proper containment and airflow efficiency.
Can two fume hoods share the same ventilation fan?
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Yes, but the fan should be controlled by a single operator, and unused hoods should have their vents closed via the air volume control valve rather than switching the fan on and off repeatedly.
How do I choose the right fume hood for my laboratory?
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Consider your chemical application, required face velocity, ducted vs. ductless design, regulatory compliance standards, and the supplier's after-sales maintenance support.
If your laboratory needs a reliable fume hood or a full ventilation system solution tailored to your facility, contact BOKA for expert advice or request a quote - our team can help you choose a customized solution that fits your lab's specific safety and operational requirements.