Choosing where to set up a reaction

Before clamping or setting up any apparatus, make sure that the selected location in the fume hood facilitates whatever procedure you want to undertake.

• Vertical bars of the fume hood racking are preferred over horizontal bars when it comes to clamping glassware as these are more secure and allow for clamping at various heights.

• Close to the water tap if undertaking any procedure that involves a condenser, so that the tubing isn't strained.

• Away from the small fume hood waste station, especially if the procedure involves heating solutions using a hotplate. This ensures there is minimal fire risk, particularly from the vapours of the flammable waste. To further reduce risk, ensure the waste bottles are always corked when not in use.

• Consider the use of other taps, such as vacuum or nitrogen which may also be needed in the procedure. For example, the vacuum tubing isn't always very long so a buchner flask may need to be clamped close to the vacuum tap.

Taking these factors into consideration, it is often most suitable to set up a reaction using the outermost vertical bars of the fume hood racking. Clamps do not have to be positioned perpendicular to the back of the fume hood, so angle them to avoid covering the sink with the base of the lab jack. This is only a guide, so please consider the requirements of your specific experiment when deciding where to position your glassware and if you are ever unsure, ask a demonstrator who will be able to assist.