The 2019 edition of NFPA 45 Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals is now available at www.nfpa.org. While there are no major changes similar to the inclusion of Chapter 12 on educational and instructional laboratories I the 2015 edition, there are numerous small changes that this audience may want to be aware of. Here is a short summary of the changes from the introduction.

The 2019 edition of NFPA 45 adds definitions for use, closed system use, and open system use as the terms are found throughout

the standard. The 2019 edition also incorporates requirements for laboratory units in health care facilities, particularly

flammable and combustible liquid quantity limitations; lab unit classifications; fire separation; and specific provisions for

distillation and solvent recycling equipment and tissue processors. Area limitations for lab units have been removed, because

the quantity of flammable liquids is limited by the volume and density limits. Language has been revised to clarify that curbing

of laboratory floors can be used to prevent liquids from migrating to lower floor levels, and new annex text has been added to

list other preventative means. Requirements for exit doors have been revised to clarify that the methods need to also comply

with NFPA 101 egress requirements. The section on emergency lighting has been revised to require emergency lighting in all

laboratory work areas, not only those that require a second means of access to an exit. Requirements for Class I wet standpipe

systems have been clarified, and requirements for manual fire alarm systems have been revised to include all buildings with

laboratory units. Terminology related to flame-resistant clothing has been revised to align with NFPA 2112. Requirements for

laboratory exhaust systems have been expanded to prohibit sound attenuation devices within them. Laboratory exhaust ducts,

dampers, and exhaust ducting through fire barriers has been addressed to clarify the installation of exhaust ducts through fire rated

barriers and to align with the current editions of NFPA 90A and 91. Inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire extinguishing

systems in ductwork or chemical fume hoods has been revised from a specified time interval to a schedule

appropriate for the type of system. A new retroactivity clause has been added to clarify that the chapter on chemical storage,

handling, and waste disposal contains operational requirements that need to be applied to existing laboratories, not only new

construction. Hazardous chemical containers stored and handled in laboratory work areas are now limited to 20 L (5 gal),

where previous language about limiting spill scenarios was ambiguous. A minimum inspection frequency of 1 year has been

added for chemical storage. Annex material has been added to reinforce the need to evaluate the effects of any mixing of

wastes, to clarify the process of dispensing Class I liquids in a ventilated area, to explain why pyrophoric reagents and water reactive

materials in glove boxes need to be sealed in airtight containers when not in use, to describe flame-jetting hazards, and

to explain the need for hazard evaluations and risk assessments before new or changed experiments. Language has been

added to reference NFPA 30 for quantities of flammable and combustible liquids within inside liquid storage areas, and

requirements for gas cylinders have been aligned with NFPA 55. Requirements for emergency gas shutoffs and overpressure

protection have been clarified, and new language has been added to address the potential explosion hazards associated with

mixing flammable and oxidizing materials. The sections on heating operations and heating equipment have been combined

into one section for consistency, and new requirements

As a member of the NFPA 45 committee, I would be glad to answer any short questions on the code off line.

Richard Palluzi

PE, CSP

Pilot plant and laboratory consulting, safety, design,reviews, and training

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