[Nhcoll-l] Fluid collections

Tue May 29 12:17:53 EDT 2012

We have found that being proactive with our fire marshal and ensuring that he is part of every decision has actually made him more willing to work with us on issues like this.  We have also given him tours of the collections and highlighted those aspects of our work that may have implications which has in turn educated him enough for him to make educated decisions based on the fire code - mostly in our favor...

Andy

Sent from my iPad

On May 29, 2012, at 9:39 AM, "Cannatella, David" <catfish at austin.utexas.edu<mailto:catfish at austin.utexas.edu>> wrote:

In our situation at Univ. Texas, the interpretation of the Code falls to the Fire Marshall. Our experience is that when a new Fire Marshall came on board he re-interpreted the Code, to our detriment.

Dave

On May 25, 2012, at 12:34 PM, Ross MacCulloch wrote:

Since the Universal Fire Code was adopted in North America, many institutions have been forced to make expensive modifications to existing facilities or to build entirely new facilities for alcohol storage. As Andy said, these facilities have fire prevention/containment measures built in, as well as provisions for spill containment.

One thing that we found was that although the Code is supposedly "universal", its interpretation and application varies among jurisdictions. When you begin designing your new facility, I strongly recommend that the design/architectural team includes someone familiar with fire codes, and who can liaise with your local Fire Dept., whose approval for your facility will be required.

best wishes in your new facility
Ross

Ross D. MacCulloch
Assistant Curator - Herpetology
Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
Royal Ontario Museum
100 Queen's Park
Toronto
Ontario M5S 2C6

>>> "Bentley, Andrew Charles" <abentley at ku.edu<mailto:abentley at ku.edu>> 25-May-12 11:21 AM >>>
Dave

Kols Containers is very much in business and we buy all of our glass from them.  Our contact there is Judy Bounds and she can be reached atjbounds at kolscontrainers.com<mailto:jbounds at kolscontrainers.com> or (410) 646-2300.  I have also attached a fairly recent price list for the various sizes of jars we purchase as well as lids.

In terms of storage of large quantities of ethanol we have found that the amount allowed depends very much on how the space is classified.  We are only allowed a certain number of gallons in offices and labs but our ethanol storage facility is classified as not being occupied by people on a regular basis and also has several fire prevention measures (lower temp at 65°F below flash point, HVAC system that changes air every 2 hours and sprinkler system).  We also have explosion proof electrical outlets, fire rated doors etc. etc.  I unfortunately do not have the specifics but could probably find them if no one else chimes in.  You should also be able to get this information from your fire marshal.

Hope that helps

Andy

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 Andy Bentley
 Ichthyology Collection Manager
 University of Kansas
Biodiversity Institute
 Dyche Hall
 1345 Jayhawk Boulevard
 Lawrence, KS, 66045-7561
 USA

Tel: (785) 864-3863
Fax: (785) 864-5335
 Email: abentley at ku.edu<mailto:abentley at ku.edu>
http://ichthyology.biodiversity.ku.edu<http://ichthyology.biodiversity.ku.edu/>
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From: nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu<mailto:nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu> [mailto:nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu] On Behalf Of Dyer, Dave
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 12:30 PM
To: NHCOLL-L at mailman.yale.edu<mailto:NHCOLL-L at mailman.yale.edu>
Subject: [Nhcoll-l] Fluid collections

Hi Everyone,

I have a couple questions regarding fluid storage. We are in the process of working on a grant to, among other things, rescue our 3,000-jar fluid collection from an awful, inaccessible storage situation to a new workable facility. Can someone recommend a supplier for good quality jars and closures? Is Kols Containers/O’Berk still in business? We purchased supplies from them years ago but their web site seems to be shut down.

Also, how have museums reconciled storage of large amounts of ethyl alcohol with local fire codes? Apparently we can only store 120 gallons of 70% ETOH per ROOM, but our collection is approximately 2,000 gallons!  Thanks in advance for your advice and information.
Sincerely,

Dave

David Dyer, Curator
Philip L. Wright Zoological Museum
Div. of Biological Sciences
University of Montana
Missoula, MT 59812

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<http://www.rom.on.ca/visit/>

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David Cannatella       512-471-5302 (lab)
Professor, Integrative Biology                 512-232-4862 (office; voicemail)
1 University Station C0930        512-471-3878 (fax)
University of Texas
Austin, Texas 78712
www.cannatellalab.org<http://www.cannatellalab.org>
Curator of Herpetology, Texas Natural Science Center

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