Fire
Fire is the most common serious hazard in a typical laboratory. Small bench-top fires in laboratory spaces are not uncommon. Large laboratory fires are rare.
Safety Equipment in the Lab
While proper procedures and training can minimize the chances of an accidental fire, laboratory workers should still be prepared to deal with a fire emergency. In dealing with a laboratory fire, all containers of infectious materials should be placed into autoclaves, incubators, refrigerators, or freezers for containment.
However, the risk of severe injury or death is significant because fuel load and hazard levels in labs are typically very high. Laboratories, especially those using solvents in any quantity, have the potential for flash fires, explosion, rapid spread of fire, and high toxicity of products of combustion (heat, smoke, and flame).
Fire Safety Training
Employers should train workers to remember the "PASS" rule for fire extinguishers.
PASS summarizes the operation of a fire extinguisher.
P - Pull the pin.
A - Aim extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire.
S - Squeeze the trigger while holding the extinguisher upright.
S - Sweep the extinguisher from side to side; cover the fire with the spray.
The two most common types of extinguishers in the chemistry laboratory are pressurized dry chemical (Type BC or ABC) and carbon dioxide. In addition, you may also have a specialized Class D dry powder extinguisher for use on flammable metal fires.
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9-7. What is the most common serious hazard in a typical laboratory?
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