Fill time spill

The risk of bums is normally only experienced when filling a magnet with nitrogen or helium. You need to be protected in case the liquid spills or the transfer line breaks. Protection just means covering up any exposed skin (lab coat, visor and thick gloves are normally sufficient). At all other times, the cryogens are safely in their cans and should stay there unless something catastrophic happens. 

One example of a reaction that needs energy to start is the burning of gasoline. You have probably seen movies in which a car plunges over a cliff, lands on the rocks below, and suddenly bursts into flames. But if some gasoline is spilled accidentally while filling a gas tank, it probably will evaporate harmlessly in a short time. 

Good laboratory practice should ensure that the radiochemical work be carried out over spill trays in a fumecupboard with excellent ventilation. Plastic gloves, sometimes one pair worn over the other, should be used at all times and any radioactive waste be placed in a container filled with ver-miculite. Regular urine samples should provide the necessary reassurance that the work is being performed with due diligence. Satisfactory arrangements for the disposal of radioactive waste should be put in place during early consultation with the radiochemical inspectorate. 

Tank T-101 provides surge capacity for the intermediate chemical RM-12. Due to problems with the Transfer Pumps, P-IOIA/B, T-101 has been filled to its maximum capacity four times during the last 6 months. Each incident forced a temporary shutdown of Unit 100. Each shutdown resulted in lost production worth approximately 25,000 in revenues. A high level in T-101 also creates the potential for a spill of RM-12, thereby creating a serious environmental problem were it to enter the drainage system. 

Uncapped containers of chemicals should never be placed in a refrigerator. Caps should provide a vapor-tight seal to prevent a spill if the container is tipped over. Aluminum foil, corks, corks wrapped with aluminum foil, and glass stoppers usually do not meet these criteria, and, therefore, their use should be discouraged. The most satisfactory temporary seals are normally screw-caps lined with either a conical polyethylene insert or a Teflon insert. The best containers for samples that are to be stored for longer periods of time are sealed, nitrogen-filled glass ampoules. At a minimum, catch pans should be used for secondary containment. 

Prevention of spills and accidents Be prepared for accidents and spiUs (41). Assure that at least 2 people are present at all times if a compound in use is highly toxic or of unknown toxicity (39). Store hreakahle containers of these substances in chemically resistant trays also work and mount apparatus above such trays or cover work and storage surfaces with removable, absorbent, plastic backed paper (40). If a major spOl occurs outside the hood, evacuate the area assure that cleanup pCTSonnel wear suitable protective apparel and equipment (41). Waste Thoroughly decontaminate or incinerate contaminated clothing or shoes (41). If possible, chemically decontaminate by chemical conversion (40). Store contaminated waste in closed, suitably labeled, impervious containers (for liquids, in glass or plastic bottles half-filled with vermiculite) (40). 

The EPA defines hazardous wastes in the RCRA. This waste also includes pharmaceutical wastes that contain toxic chemicals or exhibit properties that make them hazardous to the environment and/or humans. RCRA wastes include broken or spilled vials, partial vials, expired products, and patient s personal medications. EPA limits hazardous waste maximum storage time to 90 or 180 days based on generator status. All wastes must be stored in a separate and locked area clearly marked so that it cannot become a food source or breeding place for insects or animals. Like infectious wastes, there is no time limit to fill the container. Not all states mandate the same storage requirements. Contact local and state authorities for additional information. EPA s P-listed chemicals (40 CFR 261.33) include such pharmaceuticals as epinephrine, nicotine, chloroform, and warfarin over 0.3%. The U-listed chemicals (40 CFR 261.33) include many used in chemotherapy, such as paraldehyde, mercury, phenol, and warfarin under 0.3%. 

Foams Foams are gas-filled bubbles formed from water-based and other materials. Foam applications primarily apply to flammable or combustible liquid spills and fires. The foam forms a layer that prevents vaporization of the liquid. They are sometimes used for Class A and Class B materials. Some foams are high expansion foams and can expand 100 to 1,000 times in volume. These foams can fill locations that are difficult to reach. Mixing nozzles or foam makers create the foam. Fixed foam systems can be actuated automatically. Aircraft rescue and industrial fires use portable equipment. The general design formula for high expansion foam systems for surface fires of flammable and combustible liquids with flash points above 100°F is... 

Liquid-filled gauges are prone to spills and the inclusion of bubbles and before use must be carefully levelled and zeroed. Diaphragm pressure gauges avoid these problems but need to be checked for accuracy from time to time. 

An important parameter in all of the evaporation models is the area of the pool. If the liquid is contained within a diked or other physically bounded area, then the area of the pool is determined from these physical bounds if the spill has a large enough volume to fill the area. If the pool is imbounded, then the pool can be expected to spread out and grow in area as a fimction of time. The size of the pool and its spread is highly dependent on the level and roughness of the terrain surface—most models assume a level and smooth surface. 

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