Hello Colleagues,

 

Some faculty at my institution have asked whether we can install a fridge in the chemical stockroom for reagents that need to be stored between 2 and 8 C.  Currently, there are no electrical outlets in the stockroom.

 

Flammable materials, corrosives, and the usual miscellaneum of oxidizers and toxics are all stored in this space (in appropriate cabinets, of course!). 

 

I have two major questions:

1. Would installing an electrical outlet in a room where flammable materials are stored (in unvented cabinets) require the electrician to do anything out of the ordinary?  Do the receptacles need to be hospital grade?  What else should I be aware of?  Should I temporarily move the flammable materials to another room while the outlet is being installed?    
2. If none of the materials to be stored in the fridge are flammable, would a ‘regular’ lab fridge suffice?  Or should it be rated for flammables storage given its proximity to flammable material?

 

Thanks for your help,

 

Nora Dunkel

 

Chemical Safety Officer

Webster University

Office:  Browning Hall/ISB 314

314-246-2244 (desk)

661-348-1445 (cell)

noradunkel51**At_Symbol_Here**webster.edu