1. Refrigerator Blast in Chemical Lab
Safety News Blog
(for additional information on refrigerator safety see the “Equipment: Refrigerators and Freezers” safety moment)

2. Refrigerator Blast
A refrigerator door blew off and hit an inner pane of a double-paned window in a chemical lab at the University of South Florida. No one was injured in the blast, which set off a fire alarm about 2:45 a.m. Wednesday. The building did not catch on fire.
Tampa Fire Rescue's hazardous materials team responded: no one was inside the building (no injuries) no hazardous chemicals spilled cause of the blast is being investigated.
Chem lab refrigerator blast sets off fire alarm at USF. Tampa Bay Times. Accessed 8 March

3. Chemicals in Fridges and Freezers
The atmosphere of a refrigerator could contain an explosive mixture of air & chemical vapors
To avoid inhaling vapors, don’t stick your head inside
Seal containers tightly (parafilm or tape are good options)
Use a refrigerator approved for storage of these materials
Modified to not spark inside
Approved for “flammable storage”
Store incompatible chemicals separately
Oxidizers and highly reactive in a separate unit from flammables.
Use secondary containment
Air- and moisture- sensitive materials stored at low temp. are prone to problems exacerbated by condensation.
Peroxide-forming chemicals are also often stored in fridges.
Prudent Practices for Handling Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories. Section5.E.4 Cold Storage. Accessed 8 March