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Subject: Re: Final thoughts on UCLA fatal accident.
Date: Tue, 11 Aug 2009 07:27:17 -0400
Author: List Moderator 		Next by Date:
Subject: Dispensing Flammable Material
Date: Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:06:27 -0400
Author: Sarah Mueller


Date: Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:20:39 -0400
Reply-To: "Kohler, Chris E" <cekohler**At_Symbol_Here**INDIANA.EDU>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: "Kohler, Chris E" <cekohler**At_Symbol_Here**INDIANA.EDU>
Subject: Thoughts on UCLA fatal accident.
In-Reply-To: <D4F440FA-C08C-45D4-A677-E2E6990722C6**At_Symbol_Here**uvm.edu>

Here at this institution we have labs that run the gamut from those that ha
ve an incidental use of less-hazardous chemicals to those that utilize larg
e quantities of flammable liquids and reactives. 

We understand that this was not the only issue surrounding the tragic accid
ent but after UCLA we examined the fabric of the lab coats being utilized a
nd found that (rather than cotton) most existing lab coats are 60-80% polye
ster and were selected for the price, lightness, and permanent press qualit
ies. 

One of the things that we could accomplish immediately was reinforce our tr
aining program to specifically instruct and require research scientists in 
high-hazard laboratories (those that use flammable liquids and reactive che
micals) 1) not to wear synthetic clothing into the labs and 2) utilize all 
cotton lab coats. 

We also have a door sign program in which we can specifically require cotto
n or even fire resistant lab coats for specific labs if necessary.

Has anyone else examined this issue and what were your conclusions?

Thanks,

Chris

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