Refrigerators and Freezers Chemical Storage A number of general precautions need to be taken when storing chemicals in refrigerators and/or freezers in the laboratory. When working with freezers or refrigerators, the following procedures must be followed: Domestic refrigerators or freezers must never be used to store flammable liquids. Flammable liquids are only allowed to be stored in refrigerators or freezers that are designed for flammable materials (most refrigerators are not intended for flammable storage). Lab refrigerators or freezers must never be used to store food or beverages for consumption. Lab refrigerators/freezers should be posted with a sign that states “No Food or Drink”. All chemicals stored in a refrigerator or freezer must be labeled. Ensure that the chemicals stored in a refrigerator or freezer is compatible with each other. For example, do not store an oxidizer such as hydrogen peroxide in a refrigerator with organic chemicals. There must not be any open chemicals in a refrigerator or freezer. All containers must be completely sealed or capped and safely stored. Chemicals should be allowed to warm to room temperature before sealing to prevent pressure buildup. Shelves in refrigerators or freezers should all have suitable plastic trays for secondary containment in the refrigerator and freezer compartments. If plastic trays are not available, liquid chemicals should be placed in secondary containers to contain spills. Remember that power outages and technology failures can cause internal temperatures to rise, which can impact chemical contents. Be aware of unusual odors, vapors, etc., when opening the refrigerator or freezer. An inventory should be posted on the refrigerator door. Chemical refrigerator or freezers should be located away from laboratory exits. Refrigerators and freezers should be cleaned-out and manually defrosted as necessary. When defrosting a freezer, consideration should be regarding potential chemical contamination of the water. If the water draining from a defrosted refrigerator may be chemically contaminated, contact REM at (765) 49-40121 for further assistance.
Refrigerators and Freezers Chemical Storage A number of general precautions need to be taken when storing chemicals in refrigerators and/or freezers in the laboratory. When working with freezers or refrigerators, the following procedures must be followed: Domestic refrigerators or freezers must never be used to store flammable liquids. Flammable liquids are only allowed to be stored in refrigerators or freezers that are designed for flammable materials (most refrigerators are not intended for flammable storage). Lab refrigerators or freezers must never be used to store food or beverages for consumption. Lab refrigerators/freezers should be posted with a sign that states “No Food or Drink”. All chemicals stored in a refrigerator or freezer must be labeled. Ensure that the chemicals stored in a refrigerator or freezer is compatible with each other. For example, do not store an oxidizer such as hydrogen peroxide in a refrigerator with organic chemicals. There must not be any open chemicals in a refrigerator or freezer. All containers must be completely sealed or capped and safely stored. Chemicals should be allowed to warm to room temperature before sealing to prevent pressure buildup. Shelves in refrigerators or freezers should all have suitable plastic trays for secondary containment in the refrigerator and freezer compartments. If plastic trays are not available, liquid chemicals should be placed in secondary containers to contain spills. Remember that power outages and technology failures can cause internal temperatures to rise, which can impact chemical contents. Be aware of unusual odors, vapors, etc., when opening the refrigerator or freezer. An inventory should be posted on the refrigerator door. Chemical refrigerator or freezers should be located away from laboratory exits. Refrigerators and freezers should be cleaned-out and manually defrosted as necessary. When defrosting a freezer, consideration should be regarding potential chemical contamination of the water. If the water draining from a defrosted refrigerator may be chemically contaminated, contact REM at (765) 49-40121 for further assistance.
BartCHPFall2014CHPpt1.docx