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Cold Storage Safety

Staying safe while keeping samples cool

by Lab Manager
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Standard refrigerators should not be used for storage of flammable or reactive chemicals. Electrical connections within the refrigerator can be an ignition source for flammable vapors. In fact, it’s been reported that there are nearly a dozen sources of ignition in a standard household refrigerator. The motor under the refrigerator is also a potential ignition source. Explosion-proof refrigerators have their motor and compressor assemblies encased in an enclosure to prevent ignition. In addition, the refrigerator is wired with explosion-proof connections to the receptacle. Make sure your refrigerators are correct for your application.