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Lab Refrigerator Safety
All refrigerators are not created equal! Since
refrigerators and freezers are not typically constructed
to assure that there is no potential ignition source
within the unit, your favorite repository for Perrier is
not the best place for the storage of substances that
are flammable at room temperature.
It is an all too common occurrence at scientific research facilities
that flammable and unstable chemicals are stored in refrigerators
that are constructed with inside thermostat controls and door switches.
When a power outage occurs, with no
power to continue cooling, the internal temperature of the refrigerator
rises. This results in an increase in
the concentration of flammable vapors within the
refrigerator’s interior. When power is restored, a spark
generated by the refrigerator light door switch or the
thermostatic control can ignite a violent explosion.
To prevent explosions from the storage of flammable
and unstable chemicals, "lab-safe” refrigerators have
been developed and are readily available. These
refrigerators have their electrical components mounted
on the outside of the unit to prevent sparking.
For the safety of all laboratory personnel, the EHS Office
suggests that flammable and unstable chemicals
only be stored in a lab-safe refrigeration unit that
meets National Fire Protection Association 45 –
Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories
Using Chemicals. As with any laboratory
refrigerator or freezer, good housekeeping rules apply:
- Food and drink should NOT be stored in any
refrigerator or freezer used for chemicals.
- Refrigerators and freezers should be cleaned regularly.
- Waste chemicals should be properly labeled and
disposed of according to their classification.
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