Standard refrigerators should not be used for storage of flammable or reactive chemicals. Electrical connections within the refrigerator can be an ignition source for flammable vapors.

The motor under the refrigerator is also a potential ignition source. Explosion-proof refrigerators have their motor and compressor assemblies encased in an enclosure to prevent ignition. In addition, the refrigerator is wired with explosion-proof connections to the receptacle.

A refrigerator inspection checklist is available from LSI.

Dr. James A. Kaufman is the founder and president of The Laboratory Safety Institute (LSI) www.labsafety.org – an international, non-profit center for safety in science and science education. LSI provides workshops, seminars, onsite training programs, lab safety program development consultations, facilities inspections and regulatory compliance assistance. Contact LSI with all your lab safety questions: 800-647-1977 or info@labsafety.org.