Date: September 2, 2010 12:09:06 PM
EDT
Subject: Re:
[DCHAS-L] transporting chemicals on the elevator
Here's what we say procedurally:
=B7When
transporting compressed gas cylinders on an elevator, it should be
accomplished by the minimum number of persons. All other persons should
be excluded from the elevator while the cylinders are present.
=B7When transporting cryogenic fluids in any quantity
on an elevator, it is preferable to use a =93freight-only=94 elevator,
with the task completed by the minimum number of persons. All other
persons should be excluded from the elevator while the containers are
present.
=B7Whenever possible, transport bulky or heavy
cryogenic fluid containers only on a freight elevator, without any
personnel present. Once the container is placed in the elevator, lock
out the elevator to all other users. The sender will remain outside the
elevator and activate it. Receiving person on the destination floor will
take the liquid container off the elevator. If a freight elevator is not
available, use a passenger elevator in a similar manner. If an attendant
must accompany the container in the elevator, an escape pack
supplemental breathing apparatus must be carried in the
elevator.
=B7NFPA
55, Standard for the Storage, Use, and Handling of Compressed Gases and
Cryogenic Fluids in Portable and Stationary Containers, Cylinders, and
Tanks (2005 edition)
=B7Compressed Gas Association, P-1, Safe Handling of
Compressed Gases in Containers
=B7Compressed Gas Association, P-12, Safe Handling of
Cryogenic Liquids
Fred
===
Date: September 2, 2010
12:02:04 PM EDT
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] transporting chemicals on the
elevator
Bruce,
Thanks for a good elevator suggestion. You absolutely do
not want to get stuck on an elevator for an extended period of time -
even without hazardous materials - especially as an exempt employee
because you can't recover the overtime or comp time.
I noticed you were over at Occidental College in Los Angeles.
Just an FYI - in California you're permitted 6000 cuft of
asphyxiating cryogenic/compressed gas in the building unless you have
some kind of engineered-in device approved by the LAFD (perhaps you do).
A large dewar might put you over the 6000 cuft; and that might
mean adding another item to your to-do list. We plumb-in LN2 and
Ar through an exterior wall into the building though insulated pipe.
Eric
Eric Clark, MS, CCHO,
CHMM
Safety & Compliance Officer
Los Angeles County Public Health Lab 