Evaluation of hazards needs to be systematic and defensible. The Material Hazard Index approach considers the primary relevant properties of the toxic gases in use. The nature of the use in the laboratory is considered. Code requirements are assessed in a context of practical laboratory applications. Hazards are reviewed from receipt and storage through delivery to the lab, transportation through buildings, the training of users, gas delivery systems, gas cabinets, selection of manifold systems, and other aspects.
Lecture bottles pose unique hazards due to their size and portability.
A design resolution for this issue, a fume hood based mini-manifold system, is described. Design and Implementation of a Laboratory Toxic Gas Handling System for an Academic Chemistry Building. D. Vandenberg , R, Grayson, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA Storage and use of toxic gases are strictly regulated by applicable fire code restrictions. The University of California, Santa Barbara has designed and built a facility-wide, toxic gas handling, monitoring and alarm system into its new chemistry building. Although toxic gas handling systems are common in specialized semi-conductor labs and clean rooms, this system may be unique in its application to an entire facility housing generic chemistry research and teaching laboratories.