Three Simple Steps to Buying Your First Fume Cupboard in 2024 (and Why It's Easier Than You Think!)
Are you setting up a new lab or upgrading your existing safety equipment? Feeling overwhelmed by the world of fume cupboards? Don't worry, we've got your back!
At Holliday Fielding Hocking Ltd, we understand that purchasing your first fume cupboard can seem like a daunting task. But with over 70 years of experience and thousands of successful installations across the UK, we're here to make the process as smooth as possible.
In this blog post, we'll guide you through three simple steps to find the perfect first fume cupboard for your lab. Whether you're in a university, school, hospital, or industrial setting, we'll help you make an informed decision that prioritises safety and efficiency.
HFH are a UK specialist fume cupboard purchasing and installation company based in Yorkshire. Our team of highly skilled fume cupboard technicians offer onsite services to any size of business throughout the UK and we are proud of our reputation for offering one of the widest ranges of new and used/refurbished fume cupboards, laminar flow, biosafety cabinets and vented enclosures (plus so much more) in the UK.
Let's keep your reading light and make your journey as straightforward as possible. For anyone wanting more information our team of fume hood specialists are available to assist with buying your first fume cupboard or organising annual testing to comply with the relevant BS EN and COSHH.
My names Sean, let's begin and break this down into 3 simple steps.
Step 1: Identify Your Needs and Requirements
Before you start browsing through catalogues, Google search or online stores, it's crucial to understand your specific needs:
- Types of Experiments: What kind of work will you be doing in the fume cupboard? Will you be working with hazardous substances? Knowing this will help you determine the type of first fume cupboard you need.
- Chemical Compatibility: Make a list of the chemicals you'll be using. This will help ensure you choose a fume cupboard with materials that can withstand those chemicals.
- Laboratory Space: Consider the size and layout of your lab. How much space do you have for a fume cupboard? Where would it be best placed?
- Budget: Determine your budget upfront. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure you get the best value for your money.
Remember, our team is here to help you through this process. We can guide you on the types of fume cupboards suitable for your specific needs, discuss the implications of ducted vs. ductless systems, and even help you plan the placement of your first fume cupboard within your lab, taking into consideration any building restrictions, access implications and use.
Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Fume Cupboard
There are two main types of fume cupboards:
- Ducted Fume Cupboards: These are connected to a ventilation system and vent fumes directly to the outside. They offer excellent safety and minimal maintenance, but they can be more expensive due to the ductwork involved.
- Ductless Fume Cupboards: These use carbon filters to clean the air and recirculate it back into the lab. They're more flexible and often cheaper upfront, but they require regular filter changes and may not be suitable for all types of chemicals.
We'll help you weigh the pros and cons of each type, considering your specific requirements and budget, to find the perfect fit for your lab.
Step 3: Installation and Safety Considerations
Once you've chosen your first fume cupboard, our expert team will handle the installation process. We'll ensure it's installed correctly, safely, and in compliance with all relevant regulations. We will commission the fume cupboard and provide you with copies of commissioning and test results.
We also offer ongoing maintenance and testing services via our in-house technical teams at Holliday Technical Services to keep your fume cupboard running smoothly and ensure the safety of your staff. Our team of fume cupboard technicians cover the whole of the UK from Lands End to John 'O' Groats and provide fume hood testing and maintenance to any size of laboratory from small labs with just one or two fume cupboards to sprawling university campus where we look after thousands of individual fume extracted items.
Need a Budget-Friendly Option?
For start-up's and labs on a tight budget, we offer a range of high-quality refurbished fume cupboards. These are an excellent way to get the protection you need without breaking the bank. Our stock of refurbished fume cupboards changes weekly, please consider calling us directly on: 0113 245 4111 to discuss your business needs.
Get Started Today!
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today for expert advice and guidance on choosing the perfect first fume cupboard for your lab. Our friendly team is here to help you every step of the way.
Remember: Your safety is our priority. Invest in a fume cupboard from Lab Fume Cupboards and rest assured that you're getting a reliable, high-quality product backed by decades of experience.
Let us help you create a safer, more efficient lab environment.
