Fume Hood
Functions of fume hood
How Fume Hood Protect Users in South Africa
A fume hood is an essential piece of laboratory safety equipment designed to protect users from harmful fumes, vapours, and dust. It combines advanced airflow technology with a physical barrier to create a safe workspace.
When the sash (the front glass window) is positioned correctly, it serves as a shield between the user and hazardous materials. The exhaust system then draws contaminated air away from the operator, directing it through vents where it’s either filtered or safely released outside.
Most modern fume hoods in South Africa also feature airflow monitors that alert users to low ventilation levels. This ensures continuous protection and compliance with occupational health standards. To maintain maximum efficiency, users should always:
Keep the sash at the recommended height
Avoid blocking airflow with large equipment
Work at least 15 cm (6 inches) inside the hood
Proper training and safe laboratory practices are key to maintaining protection and reducing exposure risks.
Fume Hood
Understanding How a Fume Hood Works
A laboratory fume hood limits exposure to toxic fumes, vapours, and particles. It provides a combination of physical containment and controlled ventilation, safeguarding workers and preventing environmental contamination.
Whether used in research laboratories, industrial facilities, or educational institutions, understanding how fume hoods function and how to use them properly is crucial for ensuring laboratory safety and regulatory compliance.
Fume Hood
Why Fume Hoods Are Important
Fume hoods do more than protect individuals from toxic exposure. They help laboratories:
Meet South African occupational safety standards
Reduce risks of fire, explosions, and chemical contamination
Promote good laboratory practices
Maintain a sustainable and compliant working environment
Our company supplies a wide range of laboratory furniture and equipment in South Africa, including:
Wood and metal lab furniture for durability and style
Safety cabinets and chemical storage solutions
Laboratory benches and work surfaces designed for efficiency
Fixtures, fittings, and seating that enhance comfort and productivity
We deliver complete solutions that meet your specific laboratory requirements — from schools and hospitals to industrial research facilities.
Fume Hoods
Industries That Use Fume Hoods in South Africa
Fume hoods play a vital role in protecting workers across a wide range of industries. They help ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations while maintaining clean and controlled working environments.
Pharmaceutical Industry
Pharmaceutical companies use fume hoods during drug formulation, synthesis, and testing. These systems protect employees from exposure to active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and volatile chemicals.
Chemical Manufacturing
Chemical plants rely on fume hoods to safely handle toxic, corrosive, or flammable substances during production and analysis of industrial compounds.
Biotechnology and Life Sciences
Biotech and research laboratories use fume hoods to prevent contamination and protect researchers working with biological agents and chemical reagents.
Academic and Research Institutions
Universities and research centres in South Africa install fume hoods in chemistry, biology, and environmental science labs. They provide a safe space for students and researchers working with acids, solvents, and reactive substances.
Healthcare and Clinical Laboratories
Hospitals and pathology labs use fume hoods when handling formaldehyde, xylene, and alcohol-based reagents to ensure technician safety during testing and sample preparation.
Petrochemical and Oil & Gas Industry
Fume hoods are critical in petrochemical laboratories for fuel testing, crude oil analysis, and chemical refining, protecting workers from flammable and toxic vapours.
Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing
Technicians use fume hoods during etching, wafer cleaning, and doping processes, which involve hazardous acids and solvents.
Automotive and Aerospace Industry
Engineers rely on fume hoods for materials testing, composite fabrication, and coating applications, ensuring safe handling of volatile chemicals.
Food and Beverage Testing
Quality control labs use fume hoods to manage reagents during sample analysis, ensuring both safety and product integrity.
Environmental and Water Testing
Environmental laboratories depend on fume hoods to safely process soil, air, and water samples using acids and organic solvents.
Fume Hood
Choose Reliable Fume Hoods in South Africa
Whether you operate a school lab, research facility, or industrial plant, investing in a high-quality fume hood is crucial for maintaining safety and efficiency. Our South African-made and imported fume hoods are designed for performance, durability, and compliance with international standards.
Contact us today to learn more about our range of laboratory safety equipment and custom lab furniture solutions, built to protect people, processes, and the environment.
