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Previous by Date: Subject: Explosion Proof Refrigerators Date: Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:21:47 +0000 Author: drsamples**At_Symbol_Here**COMCAST.NET |
Next by Date: Subject: Re: Explosion Proof Refrigerators Date: Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:06:34 -0400 Author: Pierre Chantal |
"Explosion Proof" can be understood as "intrinsically safe" or "offering no ignition sources inside of or outside of the device". Where to site such a refrigerator is the same question as where to site your flammable liquid storage Š think away from ignition sources to minimize the likelihood of an accidental spill finding its spark, think near to the point of use to minimize the likelihood of spills or dropped containers during transport to/from storage. As intrinsically safe equipment usually coincides with an electrically classified location, then you need to consider electrical classification for the room. You probably need to sit down with electrical engineers or electricians at this point. "Explosion Resistant" can be understood as "modified to remove ignition sources from inside the device". It is less robust than "explosion proof" Š consider the exterior to present the same (or more) ignition sources as the un-modified device. I canÕt speak for Cal-OSHA on your second question. Keep your head up for the distinction between mechanical ventilation being required for use and required for storage. In short, the former would apply to most corrosive or flammable chemicals; the latter would apply to inhalation hazards (i.e., toxic or highly toxic compressed gases, toxic volatile liquids). For ventilating flammable liquid storage cabinets, see NFPA 30 for how to maintain the protective features of the cabinets. -Nick From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU] On Behalf Of drsamples**At_Symbol_Here**COMCAST.NET Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2010 12:22 PM To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU Subject: [DCHAS-L] Explosion Proof Refrigerators I have a question about "explosion proof" or "explosion resistant" refrigerators/freezers. Where is the best place to put one in a lab? Where are places to avoid putting them in a lab? What kind of ignitions sources should be avoided and how far away from these sources can the flammable or explosion proof refrigerator be safely installed? Do we have to worry about nearby lights and electrical outlets? Another question that has come up for us is this: if the MSDS sheet states that mechanical ventilation is needed for a flammable solvent, does Cal OSHA mandate that this MSDS be followed? Obviously, for safety reasons we should, but we are having trouble getting our facilities people to understand this. The only thing they understand is when we say "it's the law". We are purchasing new stand-alone flam cabinets and we would like mechanical ventilation, but they don't want to go to the trouble and expense. Currently, the only mechanically ventilated flam cabinets we have are the small ones underneath fume hoods. These are in the teaching labs and they have no locks, so we are hesitant about using them to store larger quantities of flammable solvents. Thanks for any help! Marjorie Samples Chemistry Dept. Folsom Lake College
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