Final answer:
In a lab storing hazardous chemicals, positive air pressure and fume hoods are used to protect against contamination, with high-pressure storage for gases incorporating safety mechanisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Types of Air Pressure for Hazardous Chemical Storage
In a laboratory where hazardous chemicals are stored, maintaining the correct type of air pressure is crucial for safety. For environments with high risks, such as labs dealing with highly infectious agents or toxic chemicals, a positive pressure is often used. This positive pressure ensures that any air leakage will flow out of the storage area rather than letting contaminated air in. An example of this is seen in BSL-4 (Biosafety Level 4) laboratories, where workers might wear protective suits with their own air supply that maintain positive pressure to prevent the inward flow of any hazardous contamination.
Fume hoods are another essential safety apparatus that provide protection in labs by using air pressure to remove hazardous vapors and gases. These fume hoods work by maintaining a lower air pressure inside the hood compared to the laboratory room, effectively drawing air and hazardous fumes away from the user and out of the building.
Additionally, high-pressure storage, such as in gas cylinders, must account for the risks involved when storing toxic gases or flammable chemicals. Appropriate safety mechanisms, such as rupture pressures and locks, are used to minimize the risk of accidental release or theft for misuse.