You will read in many places that OSHA requires employees be protected against hot surfaces, defined as those greater than 60 C. A well-known and straightforward requirement that seems to make sense. But where does OSHA say that?
Author Archives: rppallu
Laboratories that are not Laboratories
I must get a dozen questions a year about what NFPA 45 Fire Protection for Laboratories covers. In section 1.1.3 NFPA 45 notes that it does not cover the following: (1)* Laboratories for which the following conditions apply: (a) Laboratory units that contain less than or equal to 4 L (1 gal) of flammable or combustible liquidContinue reading “Laboratories that are not Laboratories”
“We Didn’t Think That Through”: Emergency Response in Research Applications
In a normal, non-Covid year I do numerous safety audits of laboratories and research operations, something I also did many times during my 40 year tenure at ExxonMobil Research & Engineering. Almost invariably when I ask about a site’s emergency response plans, I am told they exist, are reviewed periodically, and there is no need toContinue reading ““We Didn’t Think That Through”: Emergency Response in Research Applications”
NFPA 86 Standard for Ovens and Furnaces and Laboratory Ovens Using Flammable and Combustible Materials
NFPA 45 Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals in section 11.3.3.8 states “Oven and furnace installations shall comply with NFPA 86” . Additionally, NFPA 86’s scope covers research operations: “1.1 Scope. This standard shall apply to Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D ovens, dryers, and furnaces; thermal oxidizers; and any other heatedContinue reading “NFPA 86 Standard for Ovens and Furnaces and Laboratory Ovens Using Flammable and Combustible Materials”
Gas Detection Inside Laboratory Hoods: Prudent Safety Measure or Wasted Money?
Clients often ask me if they should provide continuous gas detection in their laboratory hoods. I always start by asking them why they believe it is necessary and usually get some version of the following. (These are numbered for reference not any priority.) To warn them they have a leak or similar loss of containment.Continue reading “Gas Detection Inside Laboratory Hoods: Prudent Safety Measure or Wasted Money?”
Where is the best place to locate a hood in a laboratory?
When you are laying out a laboratory where you place the hoods have a large impact on cost, efficiency, and hood performance. While there are numerous cautions in the literature as to the need for proper placement, many are rather vague, nebulous, and not easily interpreted.
Inadequate Laboratory Ventilation: An All Too Common Reason for Major Safety and Operational Problems Down the Road
Laboratory exhaust ventilation is expensive. Estimates range from $20-70/CFM to install and $3-$12/CFM to operate depending on local costs and system design. Hoods are an added expense ranging from $200-$400/linear foot to purchase and install. Hood controls add another $1,000-$3,000 per hood. This means it is not uncommon for ventilation systems to account for 15-40%Continue reading “Inadequate Laboratory Ventilation: An All Too Common Reason for Major Safety and Operational Problems Down the Road”
List of Articles on Laboratories, Pilot Plants and Research
Several people have asked me for a list of all my articles on laboratories, pilot plants, and research issues. Here they are separated into subject areas. Please note that some articles could probably be placed in several areas. This list is as of February 27, 2021. I will try and update it as I addContinue reading “List of Articles on Laboratories, Pilot Plants and Research”
“My Laboratory is Very Safe”: The Dangers of Myopic Looks at Laboratory Safety
In 45 years and hundreds of safety audits and inspections I have rarely had someone suggest to me that their laboratory is not safe. At worst, they may acknowledge a few specific concerns they would like me to look at (and hopefully say nothing is wrong and exit quickly). Yet in almost every audit IContinue reading ““My Laboratory is Very Safe”: The Dangers of Myopic Looks at Laboratory Safety”
Where is the best place to locate a hood in a Laboratory?
When you are laying out a laboratory where you place the hoods have a large impact on cost, efficiency, and hood performance. While there are numerous cautions in the literature as to the need for proper placement, many are rather vague, nebulous, and not easily interpreted. Code guidance is extremely limited. AIHI Z9.5 Laboratory VentilationContinue reading “Where is the best place to locate a hood in a Laboratory?”
Richard P Palluzi LLC 