You have received a communication from the manufacturer that the ordered fume hood(s) is ready for dispatch. This is just about the time to take a look at the prerequisites for installation. Proper management of the installation process will save a lot of time and resources during installation.
Basic Checks
- Has the engineering team rechecked the working drawings?
- Is there any change in the features of the laboratory room since you placed your order?
- Are dimensions and placements posing any issue?
- Is the duct-work ready or yet to be fabricated?
- Are the packaging dimensions and weights checked?
Such questions and their possible solutions should be ready in advance. Also, it is expected that concurrence (sign-off) with the manufacturer on technical points and drawings is not pending. Your organization’s safety requirements are communicated to the manufacturer’s installation team.
Movement Check
Proper unloading arrangements must be ready. Make sure that there is a sufficient and safe area to store the received material. Follow the storage instructions as provided. Improper storing conditions could damage the equipment, parts of which are fragile.
To bring in a fume hood that is fully assembled, a clear passage of 1100mm/43 inches min is ideal. The recommended clear heights are 2800mm/ 110 inches min (for false ceiling), 3000mm/118 inches min (for true ceiling with ducting). Provision for blower foundation in RCC or Platform with MS structure should be ready.
Ducting Check
The ducting layout and drawings must be signed off beforehand. Small delays or non-concurrence at this stage could delay the project. There should be provisions for scaffoldings, openings in walls, for the fabrication work related to ducting.
Utilities Check
The provision of a three-phase supply to the fume hood and return cable from the fume hood to the blower should be ready. A Single-phase supply also would be needed for the tools brought by the installers.
Provisions for utility lines right up to the fume hood location are required. Testing for these should be done beforehand. The lines should be right up to the fume hood coupling points. No civil work such as flooring, painting, etc. should be pending. It is not a good idea to run these activities simultaneously with the process of fume hood installation.
Engineering Check
Unexpected challenges or unforeseen constraints could pose some issues at the last moment. Your engineering team should cooperate with the installation team and resolve those issues. Remember the installation team visiting your premises needs your support. The common objective is a successful installation.
Documents Check
An eye should be kept on the contractual obligations, such as informing the manufacturer and the insurer of any damages, transit delays, etc. Equally important is understanding the Validation documents and being ready. A stitch in time saves nine is the dictum that needs to be followed when preparing for the fume hood installation.
