USE OF TOXIC GAS

The Nanoelectronics Research Facility (NRF) is located on the first floor of the ENG IV building and uses small quantities of pyrophoric and toxic gases.  These gases are stored in small steel cylinders in the toxic gas bunker located between Boelter Hall and ENG IV (GS 130). This special bunker is built to handle gas leaks and/or fires and was specially designed to accommodate the gases used. The Bunker is kept locked at all times and may only be entered by trained personnel.The gases are piped into the NRF in specially welded steel tubes which have been helium leak checked and are connected directly to equipment in the NRF. Gas sensors are strategically located to sense the smallest leak.  Under a high alarm condition, the sensors shut off the gas, sound a building alarm and automatically call the fire department. This entire system has passed thorough testing.

SAFETY FEATURES AND ALARMS

A number of safety precautions and special features have been implemented for our safety including:An exhausted, specially designed bunker remote from the building where the gases are stored.Individual sprinkled, exhausted gas cabinets for each gas.Orbital-welded stainless steel tubing with double containment for the most toxic gases.IndividualIndividual sprinkled, exhausted gas cabinets for each gas.Orbital-welded stainless steel tubing with double containment for the most toxic gases.An integrated gas detection system capable of sensing extremely small amounts of each gas. If a gas leak is detected, an alarm is activated and a fire dispatch signal is sent automatically.Excess flow sensors shut the gas bottle down in the event of a leak.Restrictive flow orifices built into each bottle limit the leak rate in the event of a problem.A seismic sensor shuts down all gas cabinets in the event of a major seismic event.Gas is limited to small quantities to limit the possibility of exposure.

FOR YOUR SAFETY:

1. If the Toxic Gas Alarm (Buzzer) sounds, evacuate the building calmly by an exit away (West) from the Hazardous Gas Room.

2. If you have inhaled fumes, go immediately to the Emergency Hazmat Team station outside EIV

.3.  If you suspect something is wrong in the toxic gas room (noises, smoke, fumes, etc.) contact Nanolab Manager @ x68923 or EH&S @x556894. Do NOT attempt to enter the toxic gas room.

5. Do NOT loiter near the Toxic Gas Bunker even when there is no emergency..