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As the name suggests these refrigerators are used in laboratory. They need different environment and appropriate temperature and care is needed. The function of these units are according to the OSHA regulations .These refrigerators are approved for the storage of flammable, reactive reagents ,nonvolatile reagents or nonvolatile biological specimens. They are used to cool or freeze samples for preservation While standard household refrigerators are sold at department stores and other retail outlets Laboratory refrigerators are sold through laboratory equipment supply outlets. The difference is that the household refrigeratorsare approved for the storage of food or storage of non-reactive reagents while laboratory refrigerators it's just the other way round.
There are chances of fire and explosion occurring in domestic refrigerators when they are used to store volatile or flammable materials. The compressor is generally situated in the bottom in a domestic refrigerator and there are chances of the vapor falling in this compartment from the flammable materials. Since these compressors are not vapor proofit may cause harm. Thus the laboratory refrigerators are designedaccordingly, so that they do not prove harmful either to the machine or to the environment.
- The maximum quantity of chemicals is generally 150 kg/cabinet.
- The cabinets are designed in such a way that the doors automatically close above 35c [fire], so it’s advisable not to block the doors.
- The cabinets are vented all the time, the air generally comes in at the top and goes off at the bottom of the cabinet .Since vapors are heavier than air its advisable not to place anything on top of the cabinet.
- There are different cabinets allotted for the storage of toxic liquids, solid chemicals, flammable liquids etc .So it’s necessary to read the manual carefully and place all these substances accordingly.
- Its advisable to always label the chemicals and the date so that it’s easily identifiable during a power failure or a temperature loss.For this purpose a permanent marker can be used.
- Organic chemicals should not be stored in cold rooms because they lack ventilation so these rooms should not be used for long term storage of chemicals .Adequate air flow is necessary for the storage of specimens.
- The refrigerator needs to be cleaned in proper intervals .Do dispose all the expired chemicals or unwanted ones to prevent chaos.
Commercial refrigerators and freezers can be used in laboratories if they are specially modified to remove sparks from the interior .The interior lights must be removed for this purpose .Thermostatic contacts controlling the temperature and the fans must be relocated .Most important food beverages should not be stored in refrigerators used for the storage of chemicals.
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