31% of waste in the US consists of containers or packaging.
In an effort to increase laboratory safety and encourage greener lab practices, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) provided all variable flow chemical fume hoods with Shut the Sash stickers. The stickers have been redesigned based on the design from Cornell University (Ithaca campus) which showed to be effective. The design was chosen as a simple, fun reminder to shut the sash whenever equipment is not in use.
Why are these stickers beneficial?
Keeping a fume hood sash closed mitigates potential for accidental exposures and reduces institutional energy costs. Fume hoods are one of the most energy intensive pieces of equipment on campus, equivalent to the energy consumption of 3.5 houses, with a single hood costing about $2,600 to operate per year. Opened fume hoods can cost upwards of $6,000 per year to operate (and these expenses are eventually passed on to the PIs as part of the maintenance costs). The energy loss is due to the large volume of air constantly moved through the hood by the ventilation system. Keeping the sash shut when not in use can reduce energy use by up to 40%.
What are normal working heights for a fume hood sash?
While 18 inches is the maximum opening height for a fume hood while performing work, you should always try to keep the sash as low as possible to mitigate exposure to fugitive vapors and splash hazards and to conserve energy. Always close the sash when not performing work.
How do I use these stickers or obtain more?
EHS Safety Advisors and other EHS staff placed stickers on the fume hoods around the WCM campus. The stickers are placed on the right or left sides of the fume hood, as you can observe in the picture. Simply line up the smiley face and you’ll know your fume hood is safely closed.
If your lab installs new equipment in the future or you believe EHS staff may have missed an area of your lab, please reach out to us at ehs@med.cornell.edu.