Thursday, May 29, 2008

Because of the critical nature of laboratory work, safety cabinets are designed and manufactured to meet the specific needs of the workplace. One of the leading causes of industrial fires is the improper storage and handling of flammable liquids. To minimize these hazards it is very important to identify all of the chemicals in your lab. You will need to record the type of chemical and keep a list for inventory purposes. Every chemical should come with an (MSDS) Material Safety Data Sheet, for your review. Th MSDS will provide you with the all the pertinent information you will need, such as; Chemical identity, Hazardous Ingredients, Physical and Chemical Characteristics, Fire and Explosion Data, Reactivity Data and last but not least Health Hazard Data. After reading the MSDS carefully, determine the characteristics and recommended storage information. This will help you differentiate chemicals that are not compatible with each other. Storing the wrong chemicals together might cause a fire, an explosion or the release of toxic gases. The Safety Cabinet you choose should guarantee safety and product protection under all your laboratory conditions. It is most important that the cabinet you choose meets your State and Local Fire Codes. If the Chemical being stored is flammable or combustible an (OSHA) standard will apply. (OSHA) is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. For flammable or combustible fluids OSHA 1910.106 standard will apply. Depending on your specific chemicals characteristics and laboratory space available to you, requirements for the Safety Cabinet you select will be unique. Some cabinets come in compact sizes for under the counter storage. Justrite brand, carries these types of cabinets. Other choices available to you are wall mount, vertical, one and two door. Eagle Manufacturing ,carries a space saver cabinet for those labs that have limited storage space. Please be diligent about reading all of the information in the MSDS's that you receive with your chemicals. If you do not receive an MSDS, contact the supplier to obtain one. You will need the MSDS in assisting you in making a choice that at the "end of the day" could save a life.