IsoGeoChem Listmembers,

We are in the process of installing a pyrolysis EA unit on our CF-IRMS that
uses H2 and CO as an isotope standard, and are having a discussion with our
EH&S (Envir Health & Safety) Dept. about what is the best way to store
these cylinders in a research lab that also has people working in it.

EH&S suggest that we need to place the hydrogen and carbon monoxide
cylinders in vented gas cylinder cabinets (cabinets with ducting connected
to the fume hood exhaust that always has air pulled through them). The cost
of the cabinets are not too extreme, but the cost of running fume hood
ducting and installing increased capacity roof fans to handle both
functions are a bit pricey.

Our college safety committee suggests that these cylinders (especially
hydrogen) not be placed in the same room as oxygen cylinders, but that CO
and H2 cylinders do not required the vented cylinder cabinets and could be
strapped to the wall like other non-poisonous gases.  We also have leak
detectors to check tank & tubing  connections in addition to CO monitors
placed in the lab rooms.

I would appreciate any comments from list members that have experience with
using CO and hydrogen gas cylinders in their labs or in other labs at their
institutions.  Are the vented gas cylinder cabinets deemed a necessary
safety precaution for CO and H2 cylinders by the stable isotope community?

Bill Showers
----------------------------------------------------------
William J. Showers
Dept. of Marine, Earth, & Atm Sciences
North Carolina State University

(919) 515-7143 - voice
(919) 515-7802 - fax
[log in to unmask] - email

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