From:
000006c59248530b-dmarc-request**At_Symbol_Here**LISTS.PRINCETON.EDU
Subject:
Re: [DCHAS-L] Chromatography Refrigerator for FPLC-20% ethanol cleaning issue
Date:
Aug 1, 2025 09:31 UTC
Reply-To:
ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU>
Message-ID:
<00aa01dc02c7$1469d5a0$3d3d80e0$@verizon.net>
In-Reply-To:
<YT4PR01MB105843592C3761E6D281BE3588024A**At_Symbol_Here**YT4PR01MB10584.CANPRD01.PROD.OUTLOOK.COM>
NFPA 45 Section 11.3.2.2 requires
11.3.2.1*
Each refrigerator, freezer, or cooler shall be prominently marked to indicate whether it meets the requirements for safe storage of Class I liquids [flash point < 100°F (37.8°C)].
11.3.2.2*
Refrigerators, freezers, and other cooling equipment used to store or cool Class I liquids [flash point < 100°F (37.8°C)] shall be listed as special purpose units for use in laboratories or equipment listed for Class I, Division 1 locations, as described in Article 501 of NFPA 70.
Suitable units are available from numerous laboratory supply houses.
I would also suspect that most laboratories have other Class I liquids or mixtures that could also use the refrigerator.
From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU> On Behalf Of Chantal, Pierre (HC/SC)
Sent: Wednesday, July 30, 2025 3:54 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Chromatography Refrigerator for FPLC-20% ethanol cleaning issue
Unclassified / Non classifié
Hi,
The flash point of 20% Ethanol in water is around 33 C. Having the instrument maintained between 2 C – 8 C would reduce its flammability. However, you might want to consider to acquire a small environmental chamber that can operate in this temperature range and that can upgrade with explosion proof electrical outlet and lights. There is many manufacturers on the market that can provide these types of chamber.
Hope this help
Pierre Chantal, PhD, Eng
(he-him | il-lui)
Head, chemistry section
Product Safety Laboratory
1800 Walkley road, AL6402A2
Ottawa, ON
K1H 8K3
i-phone: 613-291-1084
Warning: This message is from an EXTERNAL SENDER – be CAUTIOUS, particularly with links and attachments.
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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)
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