Let’s be real: that fume hood in your lab? Absolute MVP when it comes to safety. It’s the invisible wall between you and stuff you really don’t want in your lungs. But here’s the kicker—if you’re not giving it some daily love, you’re rolling the dice on your own safety. Not a gamble you wanna make.

Here’s the lowdown on what you should actually check every day (yes, every day—don’t roll your eyes).

Airflow and Sash—The Dynamic Duo
First thing’s first—does the airflow monitor actually work or is it just there for decoration? Make sure it’s showing you enough face velocity. And that sash? Keep it at the marked working height. Higher or lower and you’re basically inviting fumes to party in your face.

Interior Check—No Junk Drawers Allowed
Stop turning the inside of your hood into a storage closet. Anything you don’t need for the experiment? Get it out. Overcrowding messes with airflow, and you really don’t want that. Plus, keep your stuff at least six inches inside the hood, not teetering on the edge.

Exhaust & Baffle Patrol
Peek in the exhaust and baffles for dust bunnies or random obstructions. Clean ’em out if you see anything funky. Hear a weird noise or feel a vibration? Don’t just vibe with it—tell someone.

Alarms—They’re Annoying for a Reason
Test those alarms and indicator lights. If they don’t scream at you when airflow tanks, they’re basically useless. Don’t ignore a broken alarm—it’s not just a suggestion.

Safety Gear—Better Safe Than Sorry
Check that spill kits, fire extinguishers, and emergency shutoff valves are actually there and working (not just gathering dust). Oh, and lab fashion tip: always wear your PPE. No exceptions.

Log It or It Didn’t Happen
Write down what you checked and anything weird you noticed. If you spot a problem, don’t just shrug and walk away—flag down your lab safety person or maintenance crew ASAP.

Bottom line: stick to this checklist, and your fume hood will keep doing its job (aka keeping you safe and the lab cops happy). Skip it, and you’re tempting fate. And let’s be honest—no one wants an impromptu evacuation drill on their watch.