[labnetwork] Fire Suppression for Gas Cabinets (HBr/BCl3/Cl2)

[Paul, Jack]

Michael,
HBr, BCl3, and Cl2 are not classified by the International Building Code or the International Fire Code as flammable or pyrophoric gases, so those two codes would not require that the gas cabinets be fire sprinkled.

The room in which they are stored should be fire sprinkled, however.  This provides structure protection and a measure of cylinder cooling if a fire occurs in that room or area.

Unless you have a more stringent requirement from your local fire marshal or environmental safety, the typical best practice is not to put a fire sprinkler in the cabinet proper.  This avoids potential from either a broken head in the cabinet, and reduces or eliminates the possibility of a full fire flow becoming highly acidic from a water/gas mixture.

Best,
Jack

Jack Paul, RA, LEED AP BD+C
D 602.474.3940  M 602.369.2086
hdrinc.com/follow-us<http://hdrinc.com/follow-us>

From: labnetwork-bounces at mtl.mit.edu [mailto:labnetwork-bounces at mtl.mit.edu] On Behalf Of Michael Hume
Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2016 3:45 PM
To: labnetwork at mtl.mit.edu
Subject: [labnetwork] Fire Suppression for Gas Cabinets (HBr/BCl3/Cl2)

Hello All,

We are installing 2 new cabinets in our cleanroom for toxic gasses. One will house Hbr & BCl3, the other Cl2 & N2 (purge). We have very limited experience dealing with these gasses and I am wondering if anyone can offer and advice with regards to best methods/practice for fire suppression in each of the cabinets.

Thanks in advance,

--

Michael Hume

IT & System Specialist

University of Alberta - nanoFAB

W1-060 ECERF Building

9107 - 116 Street

Edmonton, Alberta

Canada T6G 2V4
www.nanofab.ualberta.ca<http://www.nanofab.ualberta.ca/> Ph: 587-879-1519
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