You should take some time to look into the specific language in the Massachusetts fire code that prohibits storage of flammable liquids in normal refrigerators (though fair warning, the relevant code probably
doesn’t mention refrigerators - it’ll be the section that talks about areas that need to be “classified” in terms of “intrinsically safe” electronics for use in potentially flammable atmospheres). I’m not sure where in the Massachusetts Fire Code that language
is, because the current Massachusetts Fire Code is based on NFPA 1, not the International Fire Code like the Fire Code that governs my state.
Once you have that regulation, check to see whether 20% ethanol (with a flash point of around 40C) actually even meets that definition of “something that’s not allowed in a normal refrigerator.”
For instance, under the California Fire Code, 20% ethanol (with an effective flash point of around 40C) is a
combustible, not a flammable. And under the California Fire Code, combustibles only need electrically safe environments when heated above their flash point, so storage in a normal fridge is just fine.
Look at the actual regs. Don’t assume that the common interpretations bandied about by the community are always correct.
Regards,
Andrew
Andrew H. Chung, M.S., CCHO
Chemical Hygiene Officer
Environment, Health, and Safety
University of California, San Francisco
From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU>
On Behalf Of Margaret Rakas
Sent: Wednesday, July 30, 2025 8:29 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Chromatography Refrigerator for FPLC-20% ethanol cleaning issue
Good morning- We have a new faculty member who is purchasing an FPLC instrument that needs to be kept between 2-8C.
FPLC typically uses aqueous buffers and salt solutions for purifying proteins; however, 20% ethanol is routinely used to clean
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We have a new faculty member who is purchasing an FPLC instrument that needs to be kept between 2-8C.
FPLC typically uses aqueous buffers and salt solutions for purifying proteins; however, 20% ethanol is routinely used to clean columns, which are kept within the instrument during this process. If the instrument will not be used for a
longer period of time than a few days (think December holiday break) then it is generally recommended to store the columns in 20% ethanol.
This is our first FPLC. 20% ethanol is flammable. It doesn't appear there are many alternatives for cleaning/prevention of bacterial growth.
How do other institutions deal with the flammability issue? I thought I had found a solution with one supplier's chromatography refrigerator with a "safety switch protected internal outlet" but upon checking with their tech support, was
informed this safety switch only protects in case of an electrical short in the line, has nothing to do with detection of flammable vapor.
I am really stuck here--unless I'm missing something. The FPLC vendor does not sell refrigerators and referred our faculty to the standard scientific vendors. I am now wondering if we need to install an explosion-proof fan in one of our
cold rooms (which is ventilated with fresh air).
Feel free to contact me privately either over the phone (my number is below) or else via email.
--
Margaret A. Rakas, Ph.D.
Lab Safety & Compliance Director
Clark Science Center
Smith College
413-585-3877 (p)
--- For more information about the DCHAS-L e-mail list, contact the Divisional membership chair at
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