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Previous by Date: Subject: CHAS Final Program, 226th ACS National Meeting Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2003 11:27:48 -0400 Author: "Ralph Stuart, University of Vermont" |
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> Hello DCHAS. I have a code compliance question I'm trying to work through > and I thought I would seek your opinions. The question concerns the > "proper" storage of aerosol or aerosol-like cans containing either > flammable or non-flammable, liquefied or non-liquefied gases used in the > laboratory (dye penetrant and magnetic particle support materials, > cleaners, developers, lacquers, spray lubrications, spray paints, canned > butane for lab burners, etc). Here is the logic train I have ridden > before the tracks end (forgive the length, but I tried to be thorough in > researching this (try not to laugh; on the other hand, it won't bother me > and maybe this could end up as a feature humor article for compulsive > obsessive CHOs (who want to know) in CH&S): > > OSHA 1910.101 Compressed gas general requirements refers to CGA P-1 (1965) > "Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Containers", which is incorporated > by reference in 1910.6. > > CGA P-1 (1991) (I don't have the 1965 edition) section 3.7.2 Storage Areas > states in part: "Containers are not to be stored near readily ignitable > substances, such as gasoline." (The gas/liquid storage is not the issue, > so let me continue....) > > Containers, as defined in CGA P-1 (1991), are: "Containers (compressed > gas). Vessels of various shapes, sizes, materials of construction (e.g., > cylinders, portable tanks, stationary tanks), and design meeting > specifications of either the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, > Transport Canada, or the United States Department of Transportation." > Aerosol can design typically conforms to DOT 178.65 "Specification 39; non-reusable (non-refillable) cylinder", which would make them a "container (compressed gas)" as defined in CGA-P1. OK, so now the question is, what is the proper way to store aerosol cans? Store them as one would normally store compressed gases in compressed gas storage areas under correspondingly appropriate quantity, distance, ventilation, segregation, and fire rating of storage areas? Flammable liquid lockers are not designed for storage of compressed gases (aerosol cans too, if you follow the above logic). In fact, manufacturers of flammable liquid lockers (I have contacted several) will tell you that they are not designed for gas storage. Gas storage cabinets, which are a rather expensive specialty item and are louvered, ventilated, and equipped with wire storage racks and restraints, on the other hand, would be "code compliant". I anticipate several replies will state (as I have said to myself already), "what would the prudent person do?" (while laughing). But the question is, what is the code-compliant manner to store aerosol cans containing flammable or nonflammable, liquefied or non-liquefied gas. Sincerely, Ben Greene Honeywell
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