Date: Thu, 4 Nov 2010 09:40:47 -0400
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: Don Abramowitz <dabramow**At_Symbol_Here**BRYNMAWR.EDU>
Subject: Re: Power strips in hoods
In-Reply-To: <406244.86728.qm**At_Symbol_Here**web111410.mail.gq1.yahoo.com>
< div style='font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; color: #000000' >I'm not sure I get the citation.  Most hoods have outlets (only) outs ide the hood, and all the cord-connected devices therein are temporary wiri ng, in the sense that they are portable and present typically for the durat ion of a particular process.   Stirrers and hot plates/heating ma ntles are not typically explosion proof/hazardous location-rated, so I'm no t sure what the issue is with the power strip.

I agree that GFCI pro tected circuits are a very good idea in this location, and I think it would be better to keep the power strip outside the hood to allow for quick acce ss in an upset condition and to protect it from exposure to chemicals/liqui ds, but I don't think the presence of a power strip in a hood violates a sp ecific standard.

             Don



Donald Abramowitz, CIH
Environmental Health & Safety Officer
Bryn Mawr College
Bryn Mawr, PA




Bill,
 
The citation sounds right because power strips are not GFI's, but temp orary wiring. The plug-ins inside or immediately outside - not good either because of pinch possibility - and designed for plug-in of equipment in the hood, should be GFI, or GFI at the circuit breaker due to the liquid/chemi cal/contact hazards.
 
My $0.02 worth...................................... 

Bill Parks
CHST, CHMP, CEHT, LSP(C), RPIH
CHEMPHYXX
630/380-4032
**Providing sound Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Health and Safety, Env ironmental Health & IAQ, Environmental Science, and Laboratory support services and solutions for nearly 30 years**

--- On Thu, 11/4/10, Bill Galdenzi <bill.galdenzi**At_Symbol_Here**BOEHRINGER-INGELHEIM.COM> wr ote:

From: Bill Galdenzi <bill.galdenzi**At_Symbol_Here**BOEHRING ER-INGELHEIM.COM>
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Power strips in hoods
To: DCH AS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Date: Thursday, November 4, 2010, 6:51 AM

All

 

Does anyone have policies or k now of requirements for power strips, and similar power supply units, in ho ods.   I am referring to not explosion proof rated hoods and area s.   

 

I know of a incident that happened years ago that involved a chemical explosion in a hood that injure d a chemist.   OSHA investigated and the only "citation =" was for use of "temporary=" wiring inside a hood.& nbsp;  The OSHA inspector considered the power strip temporary wiring and prohibited them from inside the hood.

 

Please let me know.


Thanks    

 

Bill Galdenzi

Environmental, Health, and Saf ety

Boehringer-Ingelheim Phara mceuticals

(203) 778-7759

bill .galdenzi**At_Symbol_Here**boehringer-ingelheim.com

 


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