Albert Sterling & Associates, Inc.

NFPA 45

 Standard on

  Fire Protection for

Laboratories Using Chemicals

  2000 Edition 

                This edition of NFPA 45, Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals, was prepared by the Technical Committee on Laboratories Using Chemicals and acted on by the National Fire Protection Association, Inc., at its World Fire Safety Congress and Exposition TM held May 14-17, 2000, in Denver CO.  It was issued by the Standards Council on July 20, 2000, with an effective date of August 18, 2000, and supercedes all previous editions.

 This edition of NFPA 45 was approved as an American National Standard on August 18, 2000.

               A-7-2.2.2     Some common construction materials are subject to serious corrosion or formation of explosive compounds if used for or contacted by certain chemicals and gases commonly used in the laboratory.  For example, copper tubing forms explosive compounds if it is used to pipe acetylene; azide salts are not compatible with copper or lead piping; mercury amalgamates in lead pipes.
 →Thermoplastic pipe used in chemical service, such as in laboratory waste drains, will frequently soften even when not directly attacked by chemical solvents.  When this happens, much of the original strength and rigidity of the pipe is lost.  If installed above ground or floor level, such piping should be provided with adequate rack support to prevent sagging.  Burying plastic pipe used for chemical waste is not recommended because normal expansion might cause the pipe to collapse if the pipe has been softened by solvent attack.

reprinted from : NFPA  45, Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals (2000 Edition)