Chemical hood failure

The absolute nature of a zero-risk law is inconsistent with the practice of epidemiology and risk assessment since we can now easily detect the presence of many chemicals (in food, water, or air) at levels far below which any risk of harm can be measured. In the extreme, this philosophy would simply prohibit many activities in labs and in industry. For example, since there is always a slight chance of falling off a ladder, a zero-risk OSHA law about ladders would prohibit their use. Similarly, since there is a chance of a power failure or fan belt breaking, which would shut down the operation of chemical hoods, OSHA... 

Carefully examine any documentation required by the institution. Such documentation, which should be made readily available, may include experiment plans, training plans and records, chemical and equipment hazard information, operating plans, and an upto-date emergency evacuation plan. An emergency plan should always be prepared for the contingencies of ventilation failure (resulting from power failure, for example) and other emergencies, such as fire or explosion in a chemical fume hood. 

---