There are specific requirements in the NFPA codes: NFPA 45 Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals 2004 Edition A.12.2.2.2.1 The use of domestic refrigerators for the storage of typical laboratory solvents presents a significant hazard to the laboratory work area. Refrigerator temperatures are almost universally higher than the flash points of the flammable liquids most often stored in them. In addition to vapor accumulation, a domestic refrigerator contains readily available ignition sources, such as thermostats, light switches, and heater strips, all within or exposed to the refrigerated storage compartment. Furthermore, the compressor and its circuits are typically located at the bottom of the unit, where vapors from flammable liquid spills or leaks could easily accumulate. Although not considered optimum protection, it is possible to modify domestic refrigerators to achieve some degree of protection. However, the modification process can be applied only to manual defrost refrigerators; the self-defrosting models cannot be successfully modified to provide even minimum safeguards against vapor ignition. The minimum procedures for modification include the following: (1) Relocation of manual temperature controls to the exterior of the storage compartment, sealing all points where capillary tubing or wiring formerly entered the storage compartment (2) Removal of light switches and light assemblies and sealing of all resulting openings (3) Replacement of positive mechanical door latches with magnetic door gaskets Regardless of the approach used (explosion proof, "laboratory-safe," modified domestic, or unmodified domestic), every laboratory refrigerator should be clearly marked to indicate whether or not it is safe for storage of flammable materials. Internal laboratory procedures should ensure that laboratory refrigerators are being properly used. NFPA 45 also refers to NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code If this is like most of these I've seen it has lights in it that are not explosion proof and sits near a potential ignition source if the vapors collect and come out when the door is opened. Fred Simmons Savannah River Nuclear Solutions From: Paul SonnenfeldTo: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU Date: 04/12/2010 01:16 PM Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Flammable storage in Walk-in Refrigerator Sent by: DCHAS-L Discussion List May I suggest reviewing Chapters 27 and 34 of the International Fire Code (read-only versions are available from several sites). Perhaps a visit from your local fire prevention officer would be appropriate. Your collaborator needs to remember that when the fire department responds to the incident at his/her lab, he/she will have to provide some answers. If you work for a private-sector employer who is not self-insured, I'd also suggest reviewing your fire and general liability insurance policies for specific language. Unfortunately, it sounds like your collaborator has become complacent. Respectfully yours, Paul Sonnenfeld, CPEA Date: Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:33:03 -0500 From: rlustwerk**At_Symbol_Here**VERIZON.NET Subject: [DCHAS-L] Flammable storage in Walk-in Refrigerator To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU Hello All, I have a collaborator who is storing organic peroxides, solid and liquid, in a walk-in refrigerator/freezer. They have done so for a number of years. One of the new organic peroxides is a liquid with a low flashpoint (class IB flammable liquid). At our facility, any flammable liquids that require refrigeration are stored in flammable-safe refrigerators. I have seen the walk-in refrigerator in question on a previous occasion and was not impressed by the housekeeping--spills on the floor that had not been cleaned up, poor organization and poor lighting. I do not have juristiction over this space, but want to offer advice that pertains specifically to walk-in size refrigerators or cold rooms. I'm sure that one of the arguments that this collaborator will present is that the walk-in is large enough to offer sufficient dilution to prevent an LEL from developing. Any regulations, stories, advice or help would be wonderful. In addition, how does one address the issues that these materials are both flammable and oxidizers, when there may be storage with other flammable liquids--should there be entirely separate storage? regards, Rigel Lustwerk
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