Ventilation systems, closed facilities

Another possible problem in working with materials which are toxic is failure of the system and releasing toxic vapors into the facility. In one case, such a failure occurred in a system set up properly in a fume hood. Unfortunately, the exhaust of the fume hood was too close to a nearby open window, and a student working near the window was overcome by fumes drawn into the window. A major contributor to this incident was an overtaxed ventilation system with insufficient makeup air so that the building as a whole was at negative pressure. 

Medical Sources. All medical encapsulations are done in a facility which consists of a series of five interconnected stainless steel boxes which provide primary containment of process equipment and materials. Interconnections include transfer ports, drop-through tubes, and ventilation ducts. Each containment enclosure has a floor area of 1.52 m x 0.91 m the floor level is 0.76 m above the building floor. A pair of master-slave manipulators serve each containment box. A closed circuit television system and a telescope are provided for close-up viewing of incell operations and can be moved from cell to cell as needed. General arrangement of the facility is shown in Figures 13 and 14. 

PERSONAL PROTECTION wear impervious protective clothing, including boots, gloves, lab coat, apron or coveralls use dust and splash proof safety goggles a closed system of local exhaust ventilation is recommended to control emissions at the source and to prevent dispersion into general work area wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus in oxygen deficient atmospheres for extra personal protection, a P2 filter respirator for harmful particles should be worn maintain eyewash fountains and quick-drench facilities in work area. 

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