From: Don Abramowitz <dabramow**At_Symbol_Here**BRYNMAWR.EDU>
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Stirrer Hot Plates
Date: March 27, 2013 3:56:21 PM EDT
Reply-To: DCHAS-L <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU>
Message-ID: <6424891665D5D6458A1FABB209925C2C28E38554**At_Symbol_Here**BL2PRD0811MB421.namprd08.prod.outlook.com>


For what it's worth, my understanding is most hot plate/magnetic stirrers in common use in organic chemistry labs are not explosion proof/approved for hazardous locations.   They are potential ignition sources when used with flammable solvents, but when operated in properly functioning fume hoods, the solvent vapors are swept away at a sufficient rate such that the ignition sources don't typically  encounter vapor concentrations in the flammable (> LEL) range.   I'm not saying that's a good policy, but I believe it is why (along with the use of reflux condensers)  there isn't an epidemic of fires when flammable liquids are used with these devices. 

Donald Abramowitz
Environmental Health & Safety Officer
Bryn Mawr College
Bryn Mawr, PA



What is your policy on heating or mixing flammable liquids with non-explosion proof, not spark proof stirrer hot plates?

 

Tom Bialke, MSPH, CIH

Mgr. Research Safety and Compliance

Kent State University

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