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757 Laboratory Safety
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757 Laboratory Safety

Fire Safety Training

Employers should train workers on appropriate procedures in the event of a clothing fire.

Emergency Action Plans
  • If the floor is not on fire, STOP, DROP and ROLL to extinguish the flames or use a fire blanket or a safety shower if not contraindicated (i.e., there are no chemicals or electricity involved).
  • If a coworker's clothing catches fire and he/she runs down the hallway in panic, tackle him/her and smother the flames as quickly as possible, using appropriate means that are available (e.g., fire blanket, fire extinguisher).

Employers should also train laboratory workers on the Laboratory Emergency Action Plan (see OSHAcademy course 717 Emergency Action Plans) and to do the following to prevent fires:

  • Use only the minimum quantities of chemicals needed for laboratory processes and observe restrictions on equipment (i.e., keeping solvents only in an explosion-proof refrigerator).
  • 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.
  • Keep barriers in place (shields, hood doors, lab doors).
  • Wear proper clothing and personal protective equipment.
  • Avoid working alone.
  • Store solvents properly in approved flammable liquid storage cabinets.
  • Limit open flames use to under fume hoods and only when constantly attended.
  • Keep combustibles away from open flames.
  • Do not heat solvents using hot plates.

Make sure workers are trained in the following emergency procedures:

  • Know what to do. You tend to do under stress what you have practiced or pre-planned. Therefore, planning, practice and drills are essential.
  • Know where things are, including 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.
  • Train workers and exercise the emergency plan.

For more information on laboratory fire safety see OSHAcademy course 718 Fire Prevention Plans.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

9-8. Which of the following is an example of an unsafe practice that could result in a laboratory fire?

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