Requirements for Laboratory Use of Chemicals cont'd

DOE-HDBK-1139/3-2005

Sources11

Consolidated Requirements12

4.3.4 If a laboratory contains explosion hazards, as defined in

NFPA 45, 5.1

sections 2.3.1 and 2.3.2 of NFPA 45, protection shall be

provided by one or more of the following:

limiting the amounts of flammable or reactive chemicals

or chemicals with unknown characteristics used in or

exposed by experiments;

special preventive or protective measures for the

reactions, equipment, or materials themselves (e.g.,

high-speed fire detection with deluge sprinklers,

explosion-resistant equipment or enclosures);

remote control equipment;

sufficient deflagration venting in outside walls; and,

conducting experiments in a detached or isolated

building, or outdoors.

4.3.4.1 Other explosion hazard protection may be

NFPA 45, 5.2 -5.5

considered including:

Explosion-resistant construction;

Explosion venting;

Controlled access to laboratory; and,

Regularly scheduled inspection and maintenance

4.3.5

Handling of laboratory chemicals

NFPA 45, 7.2

4.3.5.1 Chemicals shall not be brought into a laboratory

NFPA 45, 7.2.1.1

work area unless design, construction, and fire

protection of the facilities are commensurate with

the quantities and hazards of the chemicals

involved.

4.3.5.2 Receiving, transporting, unpacking, and dispensing

NFPA 45, 7.2.2.1

of chemicals and other hazardous materials shall be

carried out by trained personnel in such locations

and in such a manner as to minimize hazards from

flammable, reactive, or toxic materials.

4.3.5.3 Class I liquids shall not be stored or transferred

NFPA 45, 7.2.2.5

from one vessel to another in any access corridor,

open plan buildings, or ancillary spaces

unprotected from the exit access corridor.

4.3.5.4 Transfer of Class I liquids to smaller containers

NFPA 45, 7.2.2.6

from bulk stock containers not exceeding 19L (5

gal.) in capacity shall be performed in one of the

following locations:

In a laboratory hood;

In an area provided with ventilation adequate to

prevent accumulations of flammable vapor/air

mixtures from exceeding 25 percent of the lower

flammable limit;