Re: [DCHAS-L] perchloric acid fume hoods

Hi Mary,

We’ve had some experience in this office. Below is a link for a test method for contamination inside of the hood. I recently used this on a standard hood for a lab group that had 70% perchoric acid in storage from the previous lab occupants. So the manager couldn’t tell me how the acid was used. I didn’t want to go to the extent and expense of having a company come in to test the ductwork if the acid wasn’t ever heated

http://www.orcbs.msu.edu/chemical/resources_links/contamhoods.htm

This aside, you should have any perchloric acid hood be tested by a company that does that. I can’t suggest any vendors for you, specifically, as you are on the other side of the country. But, sometimes the same companies that do chemical stabilizations (high-haz team) and remediation do this type of testing and decon too. I’d suggest asking your EHS folks that deal with hazwaste removal for the chemical waste hauler your company is using. They should be able to give you the name of a company or two that provide perchlorate testing and decon in your area.

Good luck,

Ellen Sweet

Lab Ventilation Specialist

Cornell University Environmental Health and Safety

office: (607) 254-8644

cell: (315) 730-8896

Does anyone have experience with the removal of perchloric acid hoods from a lab?  Any information on the subject and references to resources capable of performing this task would be greatly appreciated.  I do realize there is a special procedure and tremendous cost associated with this, but I wanted to get a better idea of specifically what is involved.

Thank you.

Mary Beth Lanza
Scientist - Infrared Spectroscopy
Weyerhaeuser Analytical Chemistry
WTC Chemical Hygiene Officer
mary-beth.lanza**At_Symbol_Here**weyerhaeuser.com
(253) 924-6013 (desk)
(253) 924-6290 (lab)
(253) 924-6654 (fax)

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