To see other variants and accessories, please enter the webcode on our website. webcode 1075 KNOWLEDGE SAFE AND SECURE STORAGE IN THE LABORATORY For today's laboratories, a flexible spatial concept is extremely important. As lab processes are subject to constant change, it is advisable to think about a sustainable storage concept for hazardous materials already in the planning phase. Central flame-resistant storage rooms are no longer the state-of-the-art in laboratory architecture. Today, labs rely primarily on flame-resistant safety storage cabinets: They ensure a high degree of safety while keeping the costs for future refurbishments to a reasonable limit. The legal basis for handling hazardous materials is defined by a number of global regulations (such as the GHS), the Ordinance on Hazardous Substances, technical regulations on handling hazardous substances, and other laws and directives. Flame-resistant safety cabinets pursuant to DIN EN 14470-1 Modern laboratories are equipped with these cabinets which, in accordance with their certified fire resistance, ensure close-by, risk-minimized storage of toxic, flammable, potentially explosive substances and substances which combine these hazardous properties. In case of fire, a potential risk from the substances stored in the cabinet is almost non-existent for the duration of the certified fire resistance time of the cabinet. If flammable liquids are stored properly in the cabinet, firefighters and rescuers can concentrate on controlling the fire and saving injured persons instead of having to deal first with these hazardous substances. The safety cabinets are subject to the test criteria of DIN EN 14470-1 which regulate the design and test requirements. There are 4 fire resistance classes (type 15, 30, 60, and 90). The figure stands for the minimum number of minutes for which the safety cabinets are able to resist the fire (type 90). Today, 90 minutes fire resistance is considered the state of the art for laboratory safety cabinets. Fire resistant storage cabinets for compressed gas cylinders pursuant to DIN EN 14470-2 In many cases, the local storage and withdrawal of compressed gases is the less expensive solution because the prices for the long pipeline required with central storage are very high, particular with corrosive gases. With local storage, the length of the pipelines is reduced to a minimum, which also lowers the consumption of rinse gases etc. If flexible local storage of compressed gases is required, type G90 safety cabinets are the better choice. Before making the decision for a central or local gas supply, you should by all means consider the latest technical developments. Compressed gas cylinder cabinets certified to EN 14470-2 today offer the same safety level as type 90 safety cabinets for storage of flammable fluids: 90 minutes fire resistance. Acid and alkali cabinets Acids and alkalis can give off aggressive vapors, mists, or smoke. Therefore, these substances must be stored in such a way that neither people nor the environment are in danger. Acids and alkalis can be stored directly at the workplace – separately if possible – in special so-called "acid/alkali cabinets" made of mostly corrosion-resistant material. However, there is no German DIN or EN standard for these storage cabinets. The requirements to be met by the storage cabinets are based on various laws. • Equipped with sumps to prevent leaking. They must be able to retain 10% of the stored amount or at least the contents of the largest tank. • The cabinet must be resistant to corrosion and compatible with the stored acids and alkalis. • The cabinet must be connected to an exhaust air blower which continuously discharges the escaping vapors to the open air. • Strong acids and alkalis must be stored and extracted in separate sections of the cabinet (separate from each other) because their vapors/mists may react and generate heat. CONCLUSION A modern laboratory without hazardous substances is inconceivable – just as these chemicals, compressed gases, acids, or alkalis are inconceivable without their immanent risks. However, you can reduce the risks associated with the storage of these hazardous substances to a minimum with safety storage cabinets designed and fire chamber-tested in accordance with European standards EN 14470 Part 1 and Part 2, and adequate cabinets for storage of aggressive but not flammable hazardous substances!
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