BIOCHEMISTRY

Laboratory Fire Safety

Small bench-top fires in lab spaces are typical and not uncommon.

Large lab fires are rare.

Fuel load and hazard levels in labs are typically very high.

Labs, especially those using solvents in any quantity, have a very high potential for flash fires, explosion, rapid spread of fire, and high toxicity of products of combustion (heat, smoke, and flame).

Prevention

• Plan work - The majority of lab fires have resulted from procedural errors.
• Minimize materials - Have present in the immediate work area and use only the minimum quantities necessary for work in progress. This will minimize fire risk, reduces cost and generate less waste.
• Observe proper housekeeping - Keep work areas uncluttered, and clean frequently. Put unneeded materials back in storage promptly. Keep aisles, doors, and access to emergency equipment unobstructed at all times.

Observe Proper Safety Practices

• Store solvents properly.
• Observe restrictions on equipment (i.e. keeping solvents only in an explosion-proof refrigerator).
• Keep barriers in place (shields, hood doors, lab doors)
• Wear proper clothing and personal protective equipment.
• Avoid working alone.

Emergencies

• Know what to do - You tend to do under stress what you have practiced or pre-planned.
• Know where things are - The nearest fire extinguisher, fire alarm box, exit(s), telephone, emergency shower/eyewash, and first aid kit, etc.
• Be aware that emergencies are rarely "clean" and will often involve more than one type of problem. For example, an explosion may generate medical, fire, and contamination emergencies simultaneously.

Fire Procedures

Notify

• Other occupants of the immediate space, yell!
• Other occupants of the facility, use the fire alarm!
• Emergency responders (the alarm will do that for you, a phone call makes certain - Dial 911).

Evacuate - Evacuation Plan

• The immediate area of the problem.
• The space within which the problem has occurred.
• The building within which the space is located.

Isolate

• Lower hood sash, close lab door(s), close corridor doors.
• IF SAFE TO DO SO and if you have been trained to use a fire extinguisher, you may attempt to extinguish.