Fume cupboards are an integral part of today’s science classrooms and are recommended as a key safety measure – staff and pupils need to learn about potentially hazardous chemicals, while at the same time being protected from them.
Tecomak Furniture Solutions have been supplying high-quality items and equipment to the education sector for almost 45 years, and this includes all types of science laboratory fume cupboards. This means we can offer expert advice on what would be best for your school.
Here is our checklist of factors to consider when choosing between the different types.
What will the lab be used for? – If you are creating a specialist laboratory for one subject, such as a chemistry, physics or biology lab, then a fixed-position fume cupboard will normally be the best choice, together with an accompanying extraction system.
However, in some cases a fume cupboard will be used less frequently, possibly in a lab which is having to double up for different science subjects for younger pupils. Here, the flexibility offered by mobile or semi-mobile cupboards may be a determining factor in your selection.
A recirculating fume cupboard is usually chosen when:
- The school has a limited budget;
- An accompanying extraction system is not possible, or would be very difficult to install;
- Its level of use will be comparatively low.
Generally, a sixth-form lab will not use a recirculating unit, unless there is no other option. If you are using particularly hazardous chemicals in lessons, then you will also be required to use a ducted fume cupboard, for the protection of staff and pupils. This also applies in many industrial situations.
How many pupils are there in the class? – If the class size is comparatively small, then all the pupils may be able to see everything they need to even if the cupboard is in a fixed position.
However, if you are teaching larger numbers of pupils, for instance in a GCSE class, then you may need to have a mobile or semi-mobile fume cupboard. Tecomak Furniture Solutions’ semi-mobile cabinets can be moved two metres from its original position, making it easier for students all around the classroom to see the results of any experiments. We can also supply mobile fume cupboards which offer excellent all-round visibility.
What is your overall budget? – Fixed and semi-mobile fume cupboards are attached to the classroom extraction systems, which remove the air inside and transfer it to the outside world. These systems can add to the overall cost, but the advantage is that the cupboards can then cope with a wider range of chemicals and don’t need to have filters replaced on a regular basis.
By contrast, mobile recirculating fume cupboards purify and recirculate the air back into the classroom. These types of fume cupboards can be shared between different subjects and classes, so you won’t necessarily need to buy as many of them.
However, one issue with this type of unit is that, as it cleans the air, it recirculates back into the classroom. So if a smoky experiment is being carried out it will blow the ‘clean’ smoke back in.
Teaching time – Bear in mind that with mobile and semi-mobile fume cupboards, you will have to factor in the time it takes to disconnect and reconnect it. Whether this is carried out by the teacher or a lab technician, it has the potential to eat into valuable teaching time.
Laboratory design considerations – Fixed cupboards stay in one spot, so the classroom can be designed around it accordingly. With semi-mobile and especially mobile cabinets, you still need to ensure there is space for the fume cupboard to move into, and that you can connect it to the electrical and other utility supplies in its new location.
Science Laboratory Fume Cupboards from Tecomak Furniture Solutions
Tecomak Furniture Solutions can supply mobile, semi-mobile or fixed science laboratory fume cupboards, either individually or as part of an overall refit, which will allow us to plan the whole space around it more effectively. All our products meet the latest regulatory requirements, including those set down in the Government’s relevant Building Bulletins, and the guidelines outlined by the CLEAPSS advisory service. Follow the link above to get in touch.
Where ducted fume cupboard installation is required, we can also install your extraction system as well, including for specialist subjects such as wood and metalworking which have specific requirements. Follow the link above to learn more about our fume cupboard services.
Our expert staff will be happy to talk to you about what type of fume cupboard is best for your school. Tecomak Environmental Services can provide inspection and maintenance services, including the replacement of any filters in mobile recirculating fume cupboards.
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