[labnetwork] Silane Installation below grade

[Paul, Jack]

Michael,
The building and fire codes in your jurisdiction (Edmonton) are probably different than the International Building and Fire Codes, but the general approach of those codes (IBC and IFC) is to restrict hazardous materials in basements because a) it is extremely difficult to fight fires at basement level, and b) basements are harder to exit, and c) typically basements cannot have explosion venting (as John Schott noted they had at Stanford).

As a pyrophoric gas, silane deflagrates extremely fast – almost fast enough to be officially labeled an “explosion” and thus when it is stored indoors it is often required to have an explosion vent (this is the lightly fastened roof structure that John mentioned in his email).

The IBC and IFC restrict the quantity of any pyrophoric material allowable in a single control area (i.e. one floor, or one fire-wall isolated area of a floor) to maximum of 4 lbs or 50 cu ft in storage, and 10 cu ft in “use-closed system”.  As I noted, your jurisdiction in Canada probably has not adopted the IBC and IFC, but my guess is that whatever code applies in your municipality, it will have similar restrictions.  Additionally, it may also refer to CGA G13 (as does the IFC) for design requirements for silane systems, thus adopting CGA-13 by reference.

In short – you may be violating building and fire code restrictions by placing the silane in the basement level.  Your campus architect or fire marshal should be able to provide guidance, or alternatively a friendly architect or lab planner.

Jack Paul, RA, LEED AP BD+C
D 602.474.3940  M 602.369.2086
hdrinc.com/follow-us<http://hdrinc.com/follow-us>

From: labnetwork-bounces at mtl.mit.edu [mailto:labnetwork-bounces at mtl.mit.edu] On Behalf Of Michael Hume
Sent: Thursday, December 7, 2017 11:05 AM
To: labnetwork at mtl.mit.edu
Subject: [labnetwork] Silane Installation below grade

Hello Colleagues,

We are in the process if installing a new PECVD system which will use 100% SiH4. In reviewing CGA-G13, it states:

7.2 Indoor storage and use
Buildings, rooms, or areas used for silane storage shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements of the local AHJ. Silane shall not be stored in locations below grade and silane bulk sources shall not be located indoors. For transfilling exceptions, see Section 18.

In our case, an installation below grade may be preferred. I am wondering if anyone can provide any insight into the reasoning behind this. Does anybody store/use Silane below grade?

Thank-you,
-Mike.

--

PLEASE NOTE MY PHONE NUMBER HAS CHANGED: 780-953-5081



Michael Hume

Operations Manager

University of Alberta - nanoFAB

W1-060 ECERF Building

9107 - 116 Street

Edmonton, Alberta

Canada T6G 2V4
www.nanofab.ualberta.ca<http://www.nanofab.ualberta.ca/> Ph: 780-953-5081* (New)
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