Shared Fume Hoods: Safety Guidelines for a Safer Lab

In a busy laboratory setting, using a shared fume hood is common practice. But are you using it as safely as possible? These important devices are designed to protect you from harmful vapors and chemicals—but only if everyone follows proper lab safety procedures. Whether you're just starting out or need a quick safety refresher, these tips will help keep your experiments—and your breathing—safe.

2 min read

1. Clearly Label All Items, Every Time

One of the core fume hood safety practices is to label everything thoroughly. In shared spaces, materials often get mixed up—especially when multiple researchers are working at once.

Always use clear labels with your name, date, and the contents of each container. This prevents accidental mix-ups and dangerous chemical reactions. It's also essential during emergencies when responders need to identify substances quickly.

No need for fancy tools—just consistency and clarity. Think of labeling as your personal safety signature.

2. Keep the Fume Hood Spotless After Each Use

A tidy workspace is a safer workspace—especially when it comes to fume hood usage. Dirty or crowded fume hoods can block airflow or lead to unsafe chemical interactions.

Always clean your area, properly dispose of waste, and remove your glassware once you're done. A cluttered fume hood puts others at risk and may damage lab equipment.

By keeping things clean, you're following lab safety best practices and showing respect for your colleagues and the shared space.

3. Maintain Proper Airflow—Don’t Block the System

The fume hood’s main job is to draw harmful vapors away from you using airflow. If you block this, the protection fails.

Place all materials at least six inches inside the sash opening. Avoid stacking items or placing large containers against the back wall. Overcrowding is one of the top violations in lab ventilation safety.

Also, keep the sash at the recommended height. It acts as a physical barrier against toxic exposure and should not be ignored.

4. Communicate with Your Fellow Researchers

Sharing equipment means sharing responsibility. If someone’s working with flammables or corrosives, it's probably not the best time for you to start a new procedure in the same hood.

Talk to your labmates. Create a schedule or shared cleanup checklist. Coordination helps prevent miscommunication and ensures safe chemical handling procedures.

A lab that talks, stays safe together.

Bonus: Know Your Fume Hood’s Capabilities

Not every fume hood is built for every task. Some are specialized—like those for perchloric acid or acid digestion. Always check your lab’s fume hood safety guidelines before starting anything new.

And never store chemicals inside the hood. These spaces are for active use only. Storing materials, especially flammables, is a major hazard.

When unsure, ask your lab supervisor or safety officer.

Final Thoughts: Respect the Fume Hood, Protect the Lab

Sharing a fume hood doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right habits and communication, you can keep your space—and your team—safe. Always follow chemical lab safety rules, be mindful of others, and maintain your awareness.

A clean, properly used fume hood isn’t just another lab feature—it’s a vital safety system. Respect it, follow the protocols, and lead by example.

By sticking to these best practices, you help create a safer, more productive, and more respectful lab environment for everyone involved.