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Previous by Date: Subject: Ethidium Bromide Disposal Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:27:15 -0600 Author: Wendy Campbell |
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Interestingly, NFPA 45, A.9.2.2.2 actually describes the method and signage for a modified refrigerator but we don't let our folks modify them. For on e thing they could feasibly do it wrong and also once you modify it the man ufacturers liability disappears as well. Chris -----Original Message----- From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU] On Behalf Of Ne il Edwards Sent: Friday, July 30, 2010 1:58 PM To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Explosion Proof Refrigerator Storage Although I have heard of converting an ordinary refrigerator to one that wo uld be safe for flammable storage, I would not recommend doing so. I think it is far more prudent to purchase a refrigerator that has been designed wi th the appropriate safety features for your purpose. The distinction between flammable and explosion-proof refrigerators lies in the fact that, while both are safe for storage of flammable liquids (becau se there is no open ignition source inside the refrigerator), the explosion -proof variety gives an added measure of safety by having its EXTERNAL sour ces of ignition sealed (e.g., the compressor), so that there is no chance o f causing a fire or explosion if there are flammable vapors immediately OUT SIDE the refrigerator. In many situations, the considerable extra expense i s not justified. In addition, an explosion-proof refrigerator must be hard- wired to a sealed connection to electrical power; it cannot simply be plugg ed into an outlet; so there is additional expense to accomplish this as wel l. Neil Edwards Laboratory Manager Department of Chemistry Long Island University - C. W. Post Campus nedwards**At_Symbol_Here**liu.edu -----Original Message----- From: DCHAS-L Discussion List on behalf of Don Abramowitz Sent: Fri 7/30/2010 1:01 PM To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**list.uvm.edu Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Explosion Proof Refrigerator Storage Generally, it is not necessary to store flammable liquids in an explosion p roof refrigerator. Flammable liquid cabinets are ideal for ordinary storage . Your reference to 37.8 degrees C seems to correspond to the definition of a flammable liquid (a liquid with a flash point at or below 100 degrees F) . I've never seen that as a criteria for deciding what materials require re frigeration. (Flashpoint is simply the temperature at which a solvent gives off enough vapor that it can be ignited with a spark and continue to burn. Gasoline has a flash point well below zero, and it rests comfortably in ou r car gas tanks on hot days.) Explosion proof refrigerators come into play when you decide, for whatever reason, that you want to refrigerate flammable liquids. This is because put ting flammable liquids in a regular refrigerators creates an ignition hazar d. I don't know of anyone who converts regular refrigerators to explosion proo f ones. For an ordinary stockroom situation, I see no need to store all of your flammable solvents under refrigeration. Don Donald Abramowitz Environmental Health & Safety Officer Bryn Mawr College Bryn Mawr, PA We are in the process of annual review of our chemical inventory and I was hoping to get some help with the specific guidelines of what chemicals must be stored in our explosion proof refrigerator. I have read several resourc es that indicate a flashpoint of 37.8C is the cut off however this covers a lot of lab solvents and I would not have enough room. Our acetone for exam ple is stored in our vented flammable cabinets. Does anyone know of a site which gives detailed information on refrigerator storage. Also our stockroo m only has an explosion proof refrigerator and vented flammable cabinets we have no "Flammable" refrigerators available. Does anyone in the Chicago area know of a company that can convert our hous ehold refrigerators into flammable ones? As always thank you all in advanc for the help. Kathleen Schmidt-Nebril, NRCC-CHO Chemistry Division Department of Natural Science Dominican University River Forest, IL 60305 708-524-6533
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