[LabRat01]

In the old days were fumehoods ever turned off?

The fumehood system in the lab I work in went off recently for a few hours, when I opened my sash a horrible metallic-like smell hit me >.<

[LabRat01]

One thing I'd like to moan about here is the lack concern about other people's health. I'm a newbie chemist and I should be getting alot more guidance from the senior experienced chemists where I work.

I mean, the fumehood system was down for an hour or two, and yet other, much more experienced chemists, saw me working in the fumehood for a good 10-15 minutes without saying anything. Now that pisses me off. I was probably exposed to whatever else everyone was working on, since in the building where I work, all the fumehoods are linked together.

Let's hope I didn't inhale too much toxic s#*$ and won't get sick.

[OC pro]

The fume hoods will be shut of in most institutions/companies during night or weekend simply to safe energy.
And of course, your experienced collegues should tell you when the hoods are not working.

[LabRat01]

The fume hoods will be shut of in most institutions/companies during night or weekend simply to safe energy.
And of course, your experienced collegues should tell you when the hoods are not working.

You can't be serious? What if someone was working on a dangerous substance with a very high vapour pressure on a Friday, then you guys turn off the system over the weekend, that means everyone would get exposed to it come Monday...

[OC pro]

For such an instance the operating time can be extended of course. Don´t panic.

[LabRat01]

For such an instance the operating time can be extended of course. Don´t panic.

I'm surprised they trust everyone. I'm sure people aren't boiling off litres of benzene or whatever, but still, who knows what intermediates and chemicals are circulating around....

[OC pro]

You cannot 100% exclude the risk of contaminating yourself with something. That is, unfortunately, part of the risc to be chemist.

[bromidewind]

We have older fumehoods at my college which are switch-operated. We were instructed by our lab assistant and professor to always, always, always check the switch before doing any work in the fumehood. The fumehoods were almost always on when I was working in there, but when they weren't, I could tell because there was a distinct humming sound missing from the room. If you don't hear any sound and you don't know/can't turn it back on, it's best to just walk away and let somebody know.

And yeah, your colleagues should give you a heads up if things aren't working right or you're doing something wrong, especially when it's safety related. But in their defense, they're probably immersed in their work and aren't really paying attention to others. Not excusing them or anything, but it can happen.