Local exhaust hood
Local exhaust hoods are an essential component of many indoor and outdoor ventilation systems. They are used to collect and remove harmful airborne particles and gases from the breathing zone of a persons work environment, and are designed to capture and contain contaminants at their source.
Local exhaust hoods are generally used to protect workers from exposure to hazardous substances, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), asbestos, fibreglass and other particulates. They are also used in food preparation and food handling areas to protect against airborne contaminants in the air.
Local exhaust hoods are important because they are the most effective way to contain, control and collect airborne contaminants. They can be used in conjunction with ventilation systems to provide an efficient and effective means of controlling air quality and protecting workers from contact with hazards.
Local exhaust hoods are typically mounted onto the ceiling or wall, and are designed to capture, contain and divert the airflow from the targeted area. They typically consist of an inlet chamber, where the contaminated air is drawn in and directed towards the main hood chamber, and an exhaust chamber, where the filtered air is discharged.
Selection of the local exhaust hood is important to ensure that it is suitable for the application and will effectively capture and collect all of the contaminants in the working environment. The number, size, and speed of downstream air movement, as well as the distance of the hood from the source of the contamination, should all be carefully considered when selecting a local exhaust hood.
The design of the local exhaust hood should also include features that minimize the risk of recirculating contaminated air. This is essential to ensure that the air quality within the work area is not altered by the system itself, and that workers are not exposed to any additional risk.
The performance of the local exhaust hood is also crucial to ensure that it is capturing and collecting all of the contaminants in the area. The filter or media used in the system should be of sufficient quality to capture and collect particles and gases effectively. The filters should also be regularly replaced, as they accumulate dust and particles, which can reduce the efficiency of the system.
Overall, local exhaust hoods can provide an effective way to reduce the hazard of workers being exposed to airborne contaminants. When chosen and installed correctly, local exhaust hoods can improve air quality and protect workers from hazardous air contaminants.
