Lab Fire

Prepare 

  • Ensure laboratory contacts for emergencies are up to date
  • Educate laboratory personnel on what to do during a fire alarm. Include instructions for:
    • Turning off flames and other ignition sources
    • Closing the fume hood sash
    • Closing all hazardous materials containers, biohazards, chemicals and radiation
    • Turning off electrical equipment
    • Turning off gases and securing gas cylinders that are in use
  • Identify the locations of the nearest emergency equipment (fire extinguishers, emergency shower, eyewash, spill kit and fire blanket if available)
  • Train individuals on the proper use of emergency equipment
  • Establish procedures to smother clothing fires
    • Use stop, drop and roll
    • Use a fire blanket
    • Use a safety shower
    • DO NOT use fire extinguisher on a person
  • Determine possible escape routes and locations of nearest building exits
  • Know the outdoor location where all lab personnel can reconvene (refer to Emergency Evacuation Maps)
  • All staff are required to exit the building when the fire alarm is activated. 
Respond 

  • Call 9-1-1 and report incident to your supervisor
  • Obtain medical attention
  • Follow RACE: 
    • Relocate: Be aware of those who may need immediate assistance and guide people away from danger
      • Before opening any door, feel doorknob with the back of your hand. If hot, do not open
    • Alarm: Pull fire alarm to alert others. Call 911 immediately; then, call the Facilities Management to report exact location of fire/smoke
      • If alarm fails to operate, warn nearby occupants by knocking on doors and shouting warnings only if safe and time permits
    • Confine: Close doors (do not lock) as you exit if it is safe to do so. Shut off fuel sources such as piped or bottled gas, only if safe and time permits
    • Evacuate: Leave the building and move towards your assembly area. Do not use the elevator. Alert emergency responders of individuals who are trapped or unaccounted for
  • Alert all individuals in the laboratory and activate alarm
  • All staff are required to exit the building when the fire alarm is activated
  • Ensure you have an exit path away from the fire
  • Avoid smoke or fumes as much as possible
  • Remain accessible and have a person knowledgeable of the incident available to talk with emergency responders once it is safe to do so
  • Use a fire extinguisher to put out a minor fire
    • Follow P.A.S.S.:
      • Pull the pin or the ring
      • Aim nozzle at the base of fire from about 8 feet away
      • Squeeze or press the handle to activate discharge
      • Sweep the nozzle slowly from side to side, aiming at the base of the fire
        • Continue discharge until fire is extinguished or extinguisher is empty
  • Clothing Fire
    • Stop, drop and roll!
      • This will help smother the flame. If a safety shower is near, drench the fire with water
  • If it is safe to do so, and if time permits, complete the following steps prior to exiting the space:
    • Turn off flames and other ignition sources
    • Close the fume hood sash
    • Close all hazardous materials containers, biohazards, chemicals and radiation
    • Turn off electrical equipment
    • Turn off gases and secure gas cylinders that are in use.
  • If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

Key Contacts 

 
 
 
 
 

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