Update on reported lab odor

Subject: Update on reported lab odor

Dear Labmembers:

Last night around 7:30 pm, a strong odor was reported in the lab near the wbsilicide bench. The immediate area was cleared. By 8:30, the odor had completely dissipated. Toxic gas sensors located in this area did not detect alarm levels; if they had, there would have been an automatic building evacuation.

Today, we think the possible source might have been tylan6, the POCl3 furnace. This furnace will remain shutdown until we can take measures to ensure it can be run safely. Until then, if you really need phosporous doping, staff will work with you to find alternatives.

We want to acknowledge rostam and xzhuang1 who observed the problem and acted quickly to shutdown the tylan6 furnace, and maxms who informed staff by calling the off-hours duty phone.

Please always be alert to unusual odors and sounds as they are often the first clue to what could be a serious lab problem.


Thanks for your attention –

Your SNF Staff