Fire Safety in the Laboratory Troy Carey
Think it Can’t Happen to You?
Think Again!
It’s an Attitude Problem Most people just don’t think it can happen to them. 30,000 injuries caused by fire 8,000 fatalities caused by fire $8 billion property damage
Research Laboratories House A Combination of Hazards. Flammable and reactive chemicals Complex electrically-energized apparatuses
Fire Safety in the Lab includes: Fire Chemistry and Principles Controlling Lab Fire Hazards Fire Evacuation Procedures Fire Extinguishers Fire Control
We All Know Basic Fire Chemistry. Flash Point Ignition Temperature Limits of Flammability
On an NFPA identification diamond, what does yellow represent? 1. Fire 2. Reactivity 3. Special Hazard 4. Health
NFPA - Hazard Classification Fire Health Reactivity Special Hazards
It’s Up to You to Control Laboratory Fire Hazards. Identify hazards. Control presence and use of ignition sources and flammable material. Conduct routine inspections. Minimize storage of flammable and combustible materials. Prepare for emergencies.
Use Caution when Handling Flammable Liquids. Use exhaust ventilation (fume hoods). Control ignition sources and heat. Store and handle properly.
Keep Flammable Liquids Isolated! Flammable Liquid Safety Cabinets Quantity Limitations Spill Containment Bonding Ventilation
Store Chemicals Safely! Flammable Safety Cans Refrigerators
Working with Oxidizers Electron acceptors Gases fluorine, chlorine, ozone, nitrous oxide Liquids hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, perchloric acid, bromine, sulfuric acid Solids nitrites, perchlorates, peroxides, chromates, dichromates, picrates, permanganates, hypochlorites, bromates, iodates, chlorites, chlorates
Special Hazards Compressed Gases Oxygen Liquefied Nitrogen
Fire Marshal Citations At ISU Keep corridor doors closed. Keep storage 18” below sprinkler heads. Allow 3’ clearance around electric panels. Eliminate extension cords & door wedges. Maintain orderly and clean laboratory.
Don’t Overload Outlets.
Don’t Use Frayed Cords.
Don’t Use Door Wedges.
Keep Hallway Doors Closed!
Keep Hallways Clear of Clutter.
Do You Know What To Do? Sound the alarm, alert fellow workers, call 911. If trained, use the extinguisher. Proceed to nearest exit. Stay low, cover mouth with damp cloth. Touch doors before opening.
Which of these is not considered an A- type fire safety violation? 1. Leaving hallway doors open. 2. Using wedges to prop doors open. 3. Failing to implement heat detection in the lab. 4. Failing to maintain an orderly, clean lab environment.
Gilman Evacuation
How many exits are located on Floor 2 in Gilman Hall?
Portable Fire Extinguishers Limited in capacity, range and duration. Present in all Gilman Hall labs with chemicals.
Which of these is an example of a Class B fire? 1. A fire started from a benzene spill. 2. A fire started from an overloaded electrical outlet. 3. A fire started in a pile of boxes in the corner of the lab. 4. A fire started in a pile of papers on a graduate assistant’s desk.
Common Fire Classifications Ordinary combustibles Paper, wood, most rubber, plastics and textiles Flammable liquids Oil, gasoline, solvents Energized circuits Electrical equipment and computers
Common Types of Fire Extinguishers Dry Chemical Carbon Dioxide
What are the correct steps to follow when using the PASS method to operate a fire extinguisher? 1. Pick up, Aim, Sweep, Squeeze 2. Pull, Aim, Sweep, Squeeze 3. Panic, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep 4. Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
Remember the PASS Word: ull the pin im low queeze the lever weep side-to-side Keep your back to an exit, stand 6-8 ft from the fire, then: PASSPASS
OK, the Fire’s Out….Now What? Watch the fire area: If the fire re-ignites, repeat. If you cannot control / confine the fire, LEAVE! Ensure that the fire department inspects the site. RECHARGE or replace any fire extinguishers that have been used.
Don’t Forget! Fire Chemistry and Principles Controlling Lab Fire Hazards Fire Evacuation Procedures Fire Extinguishers Fire Control