Safety Talk : Laboratory Floods Sajal Sen

1. Safety Talk : Laboratory Floods Sajal Sen

2. Happened to our lab 2 years ago, “Someone” flooded one part of NHB 5.340 C! • Flooded areas can be hazardous for reasons.  Potential hazards include : • Electrical shock. • Harmful chemical exposure. • Tripping hazards. Mud or other contaminants can make walking surfaces slippery. • In the worst case, chemical explosion. Happened at a chemical plant in Crosby, Texas (2017). • Probable Reasons: • Heavy rainfall or catastrophe like Hurricane Katrina or Harvey. • Frozen plumbing. • Broken water pipes. • Water hoses from reflux condenser. (Most of the cases!)

3. Ways to avoid it : • Water pressure for your condenser must be kept low. • In case of an overnight reaction, even lower the water pressure. • Make sure the hoses fit well with the condenser outlets. • Always use metal clips to ensure those hoses are properly attached.

4. What should be done if happens : • Whoever sees it first, should locate the sourceand if possible turn off the valve. • Notify the person whom the hood belongs to, lab safety officer, building management and Dr. Sessler as soon as possible. • Safeguard priority items as much as possible. • Beware of potential chemical hazard. Don’t touch anything without gloves! • All the electrical instruments should be disconnected in the wet area, should be reassessed to verify if they are in working order.