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Why your lab can’t afford to compromise on certified fume hoods

by | Sep 23, 2024 | 0 comments

When it comes to laboratory safety, there’s no room for compromise. One of the most critical safety components in any lab handling hazardous substances is the fume hood. But not just any fume hood will do. Choosing a certified and thoroughly tested fume hood can mean the difference between a safe, productive lab and a hazardous work environment. At LabGuard, we prioritize researcher safety by offering fume hoods that are rigorously tested and certified, ensuring labs stay fume-free and compliant with the highest safety standards.

Certified for Safety: Meeting the Most Stringent Standards

LabGuard’s fume hoods aren’t just designed for efficiency; they’re built to protect. Our fume hoods pass the stringent ANSI Z9.5 containment requirements, tested according to the ASHREA 110:2016 standard. These certifications are critical because they verify that the fume hoods are capable of containing and exhausting dangerous fumes, vapors, and particles, preventing hazardous exposure to lab personnel.

Without these certifications, you’re risking the safety of your team. The failure of a fume hood to operate correctly can lead to severe consequences, including inhalation of toxic substances, chemical spills, or even worse. Don’t take chances with uncertified, untested equipment.

Expertly Designed Airflow Systems for Maximum Protection

Fume hood safety doesn’t end at the hood itself—it’s also about how air flows in and out of the lab. LabGuard goes a step further by meticulously designing both the supply air and exhaust systems. This ensures that the lab remains safe and fume-free, eliminating risks associated with poor airflow management. A well-designed system reduces the potential for dangerous buildup of hazardous fumes, creating a safer and more efficient environment for researchers.

Many labs compromise on this critical aspect, often overlooking the importance of airflow design. With LabGuard’s engineered solutions, you can rest assured that the air quality in your lab is being maintained at optimal levels, protecting both personnel and research.

Performance Testing: Raising the Bar for Fume Hood Safety

To ensure that our fume hoods deliver consistent performance, we type-test every new model in our state-of-the-art fume hood performance test lab. This rigorous testing process includes performance verification such as airflow assessments, smoke visualization, and more, all designed to ensure that the fume hood captures and exhausts hazardous materials effectively. Performance verification not only identifies potential safety risks but also ensures that each fume hood operates at peak efficiency.

This means you’re not only getting a fume hood that meets safety standards; you’re getting a product that has been tested under real-world conditions, designed to protect your team from harmful exposure.

Independent, Third-Party Testing for Complete Assurance

At LabGuard, we don’t stop at internal testing. We also partner with third-party experts who have tested thousands of fume hoods across the US and Europe. These experts verify that our hoods meet the most stringent international standards, ensuring that when you choose LabGuard, you’re choosing the safest and most reliable equipment available. This independent certification adds an extra layer of assurance, giving you the confidence that your lab is equipped with fume hoods that will stand up to the toughest safety challenges.

The Real Cost of Uncertified Fume Hoods

Choosing an uncertified or improperly tested fume hood may seem like a cost-saving measure, but the risks far outweigh any potential savings. Uncertified hoods can expose your team to toxic chemicals, potentially causing health issues or even legal repercussions due to non-compliance with regulatory bodies like OSHA.

Safety regulations require certified and regularly tested fume hoods to be used in labs. Non-compliance not only jeopardizes the safety of researchers but also puts the facility at risk for fines, legal action, and liability claims. LabGuard’s fume hoods are compliant with the latest standards, ensuring your lab remains safe, productive, and legally protected.

Preventive Maintenance: Securing Long-Term Reliability

Safety isn’t just about certification and installation—it’s also about maintaining your fume hood’s performance over time. Regular inspections and preventive maintenance are critical in identifying potential issues before they become serious hazards. LabGuard’s rigorous certification and testing process is coupled with ongoing maintenance support, ensuring your lab continues to operate safely year after year.

By proactively maintaining your equipment, you can extend the lifespan of your fume hoods and keep your lab environment safe for the long term. Early detection of problems such as airflow issues or component failures can prevent costly repairs, reduce downtime, and maintain the integrity of your research.

Conclusion: The Non-Negotiable Need for Certified Fume Hoods

In summary, certified and thoroughly tested fume hoods are the backbone of lab safety. LabGuard’s commitment to excellence ensures that every fume hood we manufacture passes the most stringent safety standards, undergoes rigorous performance testing, and is supported by expertly designed airflow systems.

Choosing uncertified or untested fume hoods is a gamble with your team’s safety, your lab’s compliance, and the quality of your research. Trust LabGuard to provide you with fume hoods that are built to protect, so you can focus on what matters most: your research.

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All LabGuard fume hoods are type-tested for ASHRAE 110:2016 and EN 14175:2003 performance standards and certified by third-party too.

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