Flammable-Materials Storage Refrigerators & Freezers

Refrigerators procured for the purpose of flammable materials storage must be in compliance with the specifications for a Flammable Materials Storage Refrigerator as described in the NFPA 45, "Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals.”

Domestic refrigerators may be used for the storage of flammable liquids when properly modified and listed. An independent testing agency tests and certifies the refrigerator for the storage of flammable liquids. Any PI that decides to modify a domestic refrigerator for the storage of flammable liquids MUST have that unit independently tested by a testing agency and certified for its new use. If the PI cannot prove this was done the refrigerator must be taken out of service and replaced with a refrigerator listed for the storage of
flammable liquids. Fire Marshal’s Office shall be contacted prior to modifying any domestic refrigerator. Refrigerators that have been modified without obtaining prior approval from Fire Marshal’s Office that does not meet current codes shall be placed out of service.

For more information see the General Laboratory Safety Manual (section 4.2 Safety Equipment) and the CHemical Hygiene Plan (section 4.8.2 Chemical Storage and Segregation). 

The information below does not constitute or imply an endorsement by EHS, or UH for the products, process, or services, or its producer or provider. It is provided for informational purposes only.

UH has a purchase agreement with ThermoFisher Scientific which provides a discount for purchase of some laboratory grade appliances.  Please contact your Department Administration for the University contract information to get the discount.

https://www.thermofisher.com/order/catalog/product/10FCEETSA?ICID=search-product

https://www.thermofisher.com/order/catalog/product/20FRCETSA?ICID=search-product