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 2 3 4

25% 25%25%25%1. Fire2. Reactivity3. Special Hazard4. 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

Solidsnitrites, 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 2 3 4

25% 25%25%25%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

Gilman Evacuation

How many exits are located on Floor 2 in Gilman Hall?

1 2 3 4

25% 25%25%25%1. 72. 83. 94. 10

Which of these is an example of a Class B fire?

1 2 3 4

25% 25%25%25%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 combustiblesPaper, wood, most

rubber, plastics and textiles

Flammable liquidsOil, gasoline, solvents

Energized circuitsElectrical 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 2 3 4

25% 25%25%25%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:

P

A

S

S

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