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, biohazard, chemical, and radiation
  • Turning off all electrical equipment
  • Turning off all gases and securing gas cylinders that were in use
• All staff are required to exit the building when the fire alarm is activated.
• Identify the location 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
• Take Fire Extinguisher Training, Learn P.A.S.S, Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
• 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
• Don’t block corridors and doorways leading to Emergency Exits
• Know at least two different evacuation routes 
• Know the location outside of the building where all lab personnel can reconvene. See Emergency Evacuation Maps →

RESPOND »

Clothing Fire

• Stop, drop, and roll!
• This will help smother the flame
• If a safety shower is near and available, drench the fire with water
• Obtain medical attention
• Call 9-1-1
• Report incident to supervisor

Minor

• Alert people in laboratory and activate alarm
• Smother or use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire
• Follow PASS ( https://www.ehs.ucla.edu/fire/fire-extinguishers) 
  • Pull the pin or the ring
  • Approach the fire and stop about 8 feet away. Aim the nozzle at the base of fire.
  • 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
• Make sure you have an exit path away from the fire
• Avoid smoke or fumes as much as possible
• Call 9-1-1
• Report incident to supervisor
• Remain accessible and have a person knowledgeable of the incident available to talk with Emergency Responders

Major

• Alert everyone in area and evacuate
• Close the laboratory doors to confine fire as much as possible
• Activate nearest fire alarm
• Evacuate the building through the stairwells (do not use elevators!)
• Call 9-1-1
• Remain accessible and have a person knowledgeable of the incident available to talk with Emergency Responders.