Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to perform a safety review of the x-ray process for the MCZ specimen collections.

The 70% ethanol solution used in the specimen jars is not as flammable as acetone or isopropanol. Today we placed 50 mls of the solution in a petri dish and tried to ignite the vapors. We were unable to ignite the vapors in an open cup test. However, it is still a flammable liquid and we should take precautions. Below are my recommendations:

1. Transport the specimens to and from the LISE building in a leak proof secondary container.
2. Store any and all specimen containers in a flammable storage cabinet in the South Material Synthesis area (near the CT x-ray tool). Do not exceed 15 gallons of ethanol.
3. Before placing the specimen in the x-ray cabinet make sure all solution is removed from specimen accordingly:
   • Using safety glasses and chemical resistant gloves remove the specimen from the container and hold it over the container to let excess liquid drip back into the container.
   • Using a dry wipe remove any liquid from the specimen.
   • Place ethanol contaminated wipes in a flip top receptacle in the area (is not considered hazardous waste unless rag is soaked in ethanol)
   • Before placing the specimen in the x-ray cabinet place it in a leak proof secondary container and keep the specimen in the secondary container during x-ray process.

If you have any questions about the above procedure call me.
Thanks

John Sweeney CSP
Harvard University Health & Safety Officer
46 Blackstone Street
Cambridge, MA 01239
Office at LISE 617-495-1290
cell 617-680-7594