INTRODUCTION |
This
chapter runs through the procurement process for toxic gases at Stanford. Toxic gas
purchases are made through Central Stores using the PRISM system. Praxair is the
University’s sole vendor for toxic gases. Toxic gas cylinders and bottles will be
directly delivered to and picked up from the laboratory by Praxair. This system is
designed to support faculty in their goal to maintain compliance in their laboratories. |
|
|
|
|
Using toxic gases
in the laboratory is a high-risk activity for two reasons. First, the hazards of toxic
gases are very dangerous to life and health. Second, the regulations regarding toxic gases
are strict, and non-compliance offers the potential for large penalties. For these
reasons, the University has established a program in cooperation with Praxair for
procuring toxic gases. By following the guidelines of the program, the user, the
responsible faculty, and the University will be more aware and able to manage the risks
associated with toxic gases. |
4.1 Before Purchasing a Toxic Gas |
Each person who
purchases a toxic gas must obtain authorization from EH&S. A Toxic
Gas Purchase Authorization Form may be obtained by calling EH&S (723-0448).
The Authorization Form must be signed by a principal investigator and the toxic gas user,
and then returned to EH&S. |
|
|
|
Before purchasing
a toxic gas, always ask yourself these questions (using Chapter
3 Regulated Materials and reference tables for guidance): 1. Can I use a less toxic gas?
2. Can I use the toxic gas in a dilute concentration exempting it from the TGO or
moving it to a lower MHI class?
3.
Can I purchase a smaller quantity? (See Chapter
8 Storage
and p. 4-4 in the Stanford
Safety Manual
for sizing suggestions.)
4. Can I use it in an amount at or below its MinTQ or exempt quantity?
5. Is my lab or area fully prepared to receive this gas? |
|
|
4.2
Determining Availability, Size, and Cost |
Information about
the toxic gases which are readily available (from Praxair)
through Stanford University’s Central Stores may be found in the SNAP Stores
Catalogue located in PRISM accessed as follows: |
|
1.
Logon to Forsythe. 2.
At the "Command>" prompt type: Prism
3. At the "Your
Response:" prompt type: Select SNAP Stores
4. Browse through the
catalogue by following menu directions. |
|
|
|
If the gas or
mixture required is not in the Central Stores Catalogue, call Praxair Customer Service
(1-800-660-2066) to specify your needs and request the faxing of necessary information to
Central Stores. Central Stores will give the gas a stock number and enter the information
into its Catalogue. This process takes no more than 48 hours and will often occur
overnight. The gas will then become part of the Stores Catalogue and in the future Praxair
will not need to be called before each purchase. |
|
|
4.3
Purchasing a Toxic Gas |
Before attempting
to order toxic gases, proper authorization from EH&S is necessary. (SNAP will not
allow you to place an order without authorization). Follow these steps to purchase a gas: |
|
1.
Logon to Forsythe. 2. At the "Command>" prompt type: Prism
3. At the "Your Response:" prompt type: Select SNAP Purchasing
4. Enter your Stanford PIN number as requested and follow directions.
5. Change requisition type to STO.
6. Use general ledger (gl) code 94632 with your account number.
7.
If required, order a restricted flow orifice. (See Chapter
7 Control Requirements)
|
|
|
|
After an order
has been placed, Praxair will send an acknowledgment via e-mail to the person who placed
the order. An expected shipment date will be included in the acknowledgment. Delivery is
guaranteed within 10 days, but will usually be within 2 to 4 days. Rapid Purchase Orders
(RPOs) may not be used for toxic gas purchases. |
|
|
4.4
Delivery of a Toxic Gas |
Praxair will stop
at the Stores Warehouse to affix, and subsequently, scan a bar-code record, establishing
that the toxic gas has arrived on campus. In most cases, the toxic gas will then be
delivered directly to the laboratory. Praxair delivers toxic gases Monday through Friday
as long as an authorized purchaser is available at the time of delivery. |
|
|
4.5
Return of Toxic Gas Cylinders |
To return
"empty" Praxair cylinders, simply call Praxair Customer Service (1-800-660-2066)
with your purchase order number to schedule a cylinder pick-up. On the date of retrieval,
the Praxair representative will pick up the empty cylinder, and then stop at the Stores
Warehouse to have the cylinder’s bar code scanned to verify that it has been removed
from campus. To remove cylinders not purchased via the Praxair system, call EH&S’
Chemical Waste Group at 723-0448. |