[Nhcoll-l] Fluid collections

[Ross MacCulloch]

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> 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 at
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  
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] On Behalf Of Dyer, Dave
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 12:30 PM
To: 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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