Anna,
No. I was out of the country in 1959.
Regards,.
Ernie
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:dchas-l**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU] On Behalf Of Anna Sitek
Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2014 4:05 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] pull fire alarm for chemical spills? - sodium explosion
According to an old MN daily, there was a major fire at UMN in Smith Hall on Feb 4, 1959. It started in the basement, and spread up through a ventilation shaft and the elevator shaft to the roof.
The cause was a part-time undergrad employee pouring benzene, which sparked due to static electricity. He suffered first and second degree burns.
Was this the event you were referring to?
On Wed, Feb 12, 2014 at 9:15 PM, Ernie Lippert <ernielippert**At_Symbol_Here**toast.net> wrote:
Someone might want to look into the history of this. During 1955-1956 there was a fire in an (research?) organic laboratory on the top floor of the Chemistry Department at the University of Minnesota. The fire department arrived and used water, causing an explosion when the water reacted with sodium present. Considerable damage resulted and there may have been loss of life. I was teaching a freshman lab on probably the first floor. Power was lost but we told to stay in place that afternoon rather than evacuate.
Regards,
Ernest Lippert
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:dchas-l**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU] On Behalf Of Mike Fisher
Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2014 6:11 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] pull fire alarm for chemical spills?
Kyle,
Some thoughts:
Michael C. Fisher
President
The CECON Group
242 N. James Street, Suite 202
Wilmington, DE 19804-3168
302.994.8000
302.994.8837 fax
mfisher**At_Symbol_Here**cecon.com
www.cecon.com
Experts at Finding Technical Experts™
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:dchas-l**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU] On Behalf Of Strode, Kyle
Sent: Tuesday, February 11, 2014 5:22 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] pull fire alarm for chemical spills?
The Risk Management Committee at my college is revamping our "Emergency Protocol Guide" for campus. Regarding chemical spills, they have asked me what should be on the chart when there is a chemical spill.
One member suggested that when a large spill occurs, the person should pull the fire alarm. Even for a pretty nasty spill, I am uncomfortable with that recommendation. I am worried that
As a relatively new CHO, it seems to me that for chemical spills, the protocol would be to have a person call the FD if a chemistry professor determines that it is necessary.
In my teaching career, we have only had one nasty spill (boiling nitric acid spilled out of the hood and everyone started choking), which we mitigated by evacuating the lab and waiting until the lab ventilation system cleaned most of it out. Then we went in and mopped it up with bicarbonate.
I am interested in your thoughts, advice or experiences.
Kyle
Kyle Strode
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Carroll College
1601 N. Benton Ave.
Helena, MT 59625-0002
--
Anna Sitek
Research Safety Specialist
Department of Environmental Health and Safety
University of Minnesota- Boyton W131
Desk 612 625 8925
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