FDN(wh)Y Me? 2018

During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY fire inspector issued a violation to a lab for improper labeling of the peroxide-forming chemical tetrahydrofuran (THF). Specifically, a 4L container of tetrahydrofuran labeled as “opened on 5/2/2017” was found with no test date. As the name implies, peroxide-forming chemicals can form potentially explosive compounds after exposure to oxygen and prolonged storage lasting more than 6 months, and are strictly regulated by the FDNY. For this reason, it is required these chemicals undergo periodic, documented testing to verify that they are free of peroxides.

Managing Peroxide forming chemicals in laboratories

The class of compounds that can form shock-sensitive explosive peroxide crystals are known as peroxide formers. Laboratories uses many organic solvents that have the potential to form explosive peroxide crystals. Diethyl ether and tetrahydrofuran are two of the more common peroxide-forming chemicals that can form peroxides following exposure to oxygen in ambient air; concentration by evaporation or distillation leads to higher risk.

To counter peroxide formation, manufacturers may add an inhibitor such as butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) to peroxide forming chemicals. Solvent distillation can completely eradicate the BHT and immediately makes the solvent susceptible to peroxide formation.

Broken or improperly closed container lids can also contribute to formation of peroxide crystals on the container plug or the threads of the lid. If lab members observe the presence of precipitates, then such liquid organic peroxide or peroxide-forming chemical containers should not be opened.

Columbia University EH&S maintains a list of the most commonly-found peroxide-forming chemicals on campus. The most commonly used, and cited, chemicals, including THF, are displayed in bold. There are several administrative controls that can be used to stay safe and in compliance with FDNY regulations:

  • Peroxide forming chemicals should be kept away from sources of ignition and store in a cool, dry place.
  • Store peroxide forming chemicals in tightly closed containers and keep in a marked flammables area.
  • Peroxide-forming compounds must be tested periodically for the presence of peroxides.
  • Containers should be dated when opened must be discarded within 12 months from the original opening date
  • Do not exceed storage time limits and routinely inspect your laboratory for peroxide-forming chemicals; properly discard outdated/unwanted chemicals

Peroxide formation may be present anywhere in the container in parts per million concentrations, including the sides, bottom, exterior and threaded cap and may not be visually observable hence requires scenario requiring treatment. Peroxides must therefore be identified through the use of appropriate testing procedures. If the material appears to be degraded, contaminated or discolored, the container is deteriorated, grossly contaminated or oxidized, has been exposed to thermal shock (sunlight), if the, age of the material exceeds recommended storage time, the compound may be explosively unstable and will require stabilization prior to transportation.

Reference: A convenient method for testing the strength of hydrogen peroxide
Margaret Haight
Journal of Chemical Education 1929 6 (12), 2234
DOI: 10.1021/ed006p2234

Please note, the FDNY Laboratory Safety Unit is on‐site weekly at the Morningside and Medical Center campuses. For a consultation before the FDNY inspector gets around to your lab, or for any question, concern, or help, please contact your Research Safety Specialist.
https://research.columbia.edu/safety‐advisor‐territory‐assignments

During a regular weekly inspection of Columbia University laboratories, the FDNY fire inspector issued a violation to a lab for failure to secure a compressed gas cylinder to a bench top or wall with either a strap or a chain. Compressed gases cylinders are highly pressurized and can be destructive to both life and property if the cylinder is damaged and triggers a sudden release of its contents. Section 3003.3.3 of the FDNY fire code mandates that compressed gas containers shall be secured to prevent movement from contact. If the cylinder were to be knocked over, the weight is sufficient to cause serious bodily injury. The largest concern with a falling cylinder, however, is the pressure regulator breaking off, turning the cylinder into a projectile capable causing injury or even death.

Laboratories must always keep cylinders secured at all times, including when the cylinder is being moved via cart. To have a bracket installed on a bench top or to have a chain/strap installed into the wall, please reach out to Facilities at 212-854-2222 (Morningside) or 212-305-4357 (CUIMC). The regulator should also be replaced with the protective cap when the cylinder is not in active use in order to minimize the chance of a release in the event of a fall. Finally, all flammable compressed gases must be separated from all oxidizing compressed gases by a minimum of 20 feet as outlined in section 3504.1.3 to minimize the risk of an ignition.

Please note, the FDNY Laboratory Safety Unit is on-site weekly at the Morningside and Medical Center campuses. For a consultation before the FDNY inspector gets around to your lab, or for any question, concern, or help, please contact your Research Safety Specialist.

https://research.columbia.edu/safety-advisor-territory-assignments

During weekly inspections in the second quarter of 2018, the FDNY fire inspector issued violations for improper labeling of chemical containers in Columbia University laboratories. The inspector observed several different conditions which resulted in violations, including an unlabeled container and illegible and incomplete information on a different label. Under New York City Fire Code, containers used to store laboratory chemicals must be clearly and legibly labeled, (even water!). The label must be firmly attached to the container, must indicate the container’s contents for easy identification, and should be checked periodically and replaced if faded, smeared or otherwise illegible. Chemicals wrapped in foil or protective opaque wrapping should have proper labeling attached on the outer wrapping.

Proper chemical labeling options

Laboratories can meet the labeling requirements for all container types using several methods. Primary bottles should be labeled with the manufacturer’s label, while portable secondary containers must be labeled with the chemical contents and an indication of the content’s hazard(s) using GHS pictograms or descriptive words.

Pre-labeled secondary container bottles are available for many commonly used solvents and other chemicals. For other chemicals, the link below to ChemWatch, the University’s Safety Data Sheet subscription service, can be used to generate labels, as needed:
https://research.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/EHS/Lab%20Safety/ChemWatchLabelPrintingManual.pdf

In addition, laboratories should keep in mind the need for specialized labels in certain cases. Peroxide forming chemicals must be marked with the opening date should be marked, and test date, prior to disposal. Due to the reactive nature of these chemicals, FDNY regulates their storage and handling to reduce the risk of peroxide formation.

Peroxide forming chemical regulations label

Please note, the FDNY Laboratory Safety Unit is on-site weekly at the Morningside and Medical Center campuses. For a consultation before the FDNY inspector gets around to your lab, or for any question, concern, or help, please contact your Safety Advisor. https://research.columbia.edu/safety-advisor-territory-assignments