DCHAS-L Archives Sep 02 2010 - Re: transporting chemicals on the elevator

I agree with the other comments regarding use of elevators for transporting chemicals. You certainly do not want to be trapped in an elevator with materials such as Dewars of liquid nitrogen or containers of highly volatile solvents.

That said, you also must insure that all materials are in secondary containers in the event of a possible spill, whether in the elevator or moving them from point-to-point. Don't move too much material in a single trip - multiple trips may be preferred. All containers must be stable (i.e. flat bottoms, wide bases, etc.) so there is a very low probability of them tipping over. Also, all materials should be moved on a cart (or trolley) that have large enough wheels that they can easily roll over the threshold and gap between the floor and the elevator. Gas cylinders should be on a truck made specifically for moving gas cylinders. Take a few extra minutes to make sure the truck is secured inside the elevator so it cannot move on its own if there is an erratic motion of the elevator. The emergency stop button is useful in allowing time to secure trucks or trolleys. Have a colleague on the delivery floor to take charge when the elevator arrives so you don't have to run up or down the stairs.

David

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David A. Katz
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----- Original Message -----

From: Gordon, Jeff

To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU

Sent: Wednesday, September 01, 2010 3:15 PM

Subject: [DCHAS-L] transporting chemicals on the elevator

I was wondering if anyone is aware of any regulatory guidelines pertaining to the transport of chemicals on elevators. Especially liquid nitrogen, high pressure gas cylinders and highly volatile solvents.

If there are not any regulatory drivers...do any of you have policies in place to instruct proper transport?

We only have one elevator in our science building and people regularly transport their chemicals using the elevator. We were wondering if we should require them to not ride with the chemicals.

I'd appreciate your thoughts. This comes at a time where we are trying to justify the cost of including a freight elevator to the design of a new science building..or...to renovation plans of our current building.

Thanks

Jeff

Jeff Gordon

Assistant Lab Manager / Chemical Hygiene Officer

Division of Natural Sciences

Indiana Wesleyan University

4201 S. Washington St.

Marion, IN 46953

Email: jeff.gordon**At_Symbol_Here**indwes.edu

Phone: 765-677-1679

FAX: 765-677-2455

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