We do use a standard house-hold refrigerator for storage of ethanol/water samples with a limit of 10 mL per sample.  Larger quantities are allowed if vapor tight double containment is used, but these are considered only on a case-by-case basis.

Tom Spicer, PhD, PE
Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR  72701


On 12/5/2011 11:42 AM, Koster, Sandra wrote:

Hi Nancy,

Take a look at this link http:​//www.mcw.edu/FileLibrary/Groups/InfoScopeSafety/Refrigerators__Freezers__and_Flammable_Liquids.pdf for descriptions of domestic refrigerator explosions when flammables were stored in them.  Includes pictures.

Sandra Koster
Senior Lecturer
University of Wisconsin, La Crosse

On Mon, Dec 5, 2011 at 8:19 AM, Richardson, Nancy A <narichardson**At_Symbol_Here**liberty.edu> wrote:

Can house-hold refrigerators (non-explosion proof) be safely used in labs that store and/or use flammables such as acetone and pet. Ether?

 

Would there be a threshold amount(say 500 mL) below which it could be safe? 

 

I was wondering if there is a written standard for this somewhere that I could use to answer these questions in labs where policies are being considered.