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Incident Involving Unattended ReactionAn
unattended reaction, which was set up in a chemical fume hood, exploded
overnight subsequently igniting other material that was stored in the same
hood. It was determined that the fire was extremely hot and fueled by a
solvent that was stored in the hood. Although the researcher had
reportedly done this reaction before, using the same apparatus, we assume
that this time the tube exploded. It was later determined that this type
of reaction actually requires a high pressure reactor to conduct safely.
Extensive damage was done by this incident both by the explosion/fire
and
the subsequent water that flowed continuously for about 2.5 hours from
three triggered sprinkler heads.
Lessons Learned:
2. A laboratory protocol review must be conducted to ensure
that the apparatus to be used is designed to meet the physical and
chemical constraints of the process as well as set up properly. It is
prudent to conduct a “dry run” whenever a new protocol is introduced to
eliminate any hazards prior to the introduction of physical and chemical
hazards.
3. All protocols need to be reviewed and approved by the
PI in the form of a Job Hazard analysis (and any time any thing is change
or altered in an existing protocol).
4. All chemicals must be appropriately stored outside of
the chemical fume hood according to chemical classification.
5. Lab clutter must be eliminated. A cluttered work space
increases the possibilities for an incident. If you have any questions please contact Kevin Eichinger or call x2103.
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