Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:29:22 -0600
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: "Clark, Richard C" <rcclark**At_Symbol_Here**BEMIS.COM>
Subject: Re: Hood Sash Cables
In-Reply-To: <D2F23BB518927C419529CA74ABDED0360145583D**At_Symbol_Here**NT3.strem.loc>

We had a cable fail at the counte rweight a few months ago.  That particular fume hood had only a single counterweight rather than one for each side of the sash.  Fortunately, no one was using the hood at the time.  The sash drop was not far and there was no glass breakage.  The hood is ne arly twenty years old.  It would've caused injury; it took two people to raise the sash afterwards.
 
One quick solution we've implemen ted is to tip a rectangular steel block (approx. 1"x1"x3 1/2" ;; longer would be better) on end and place it in the sash path next to the deflector shield.  If the sash is released, it will fall and be stopped by the block before crushing an arm.
 
Inspection can be problematic dep ending upon where the counterweight is located.  There can be access a nd confined space issues.  Also, the failure occurred where the cable was stressed (crimped).  It may be more practical to replace cables regularly rather than attempt an inspection for de fects that may not be visible.
 
Rick Clark
Sr. Research Chemist
Curwood, Inc.


From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mail to:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of RJ Wolcik
Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 12:26 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Hood Sash Cables

We are looking for some ideas on hood sash cables:

We inspect all our hood sash cables quarterly by a visually ins pecting the cable and running a finger along the cable to feel for any bump s or frayed wire.  We use 3/32” stainless steel “aircraft grade” cables with a rating of 900 pounds.  We have found wire that has frayed in the middle of the twist and it is not visible without a magnifying glass, and if it were to give away while s omeone was in the hood, we would have a serious injury.  We are thinking about instituting a change schedule for all the cables. Do es anyone have any ideas or comments?    < /p>

Does anyone have any information on cable breakage, or has anyo ne heard of an incident of both sash cables breaking at the same time causi ng the sash to completely fall?

Does anyone have a policy they would be willing to share?< /o:p>

---------------------------------------------------< /span>

R.J. Wolcik

Environmental Health and Safety

Strem Chemicals, Inc.

7 Mulliken Way, Dexter Industrial Park

Newburyport, MA 01950-4098, U.S.A.

Telephone: 978.499.1660

Fax: 978.499.1661

Email: rj**At_Symbol_Here**strem.com

www.strem.com

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