# Presentation: 154978

## LABORATORY SAFETY

- <date/time>

**LABORATORY SAFETY**

***Module 5: Laboratory Fire Safety***
**Veterans Health Administration**
**Occupational Safety and Health**

**S 5-1**

**Notes:**
Slide #53/Laboratory Safety
Slide Code: S 5-1
Module:  5
Title: Laboratory Fire Safety
Presentation Time: 45 minutes
Module 5 Title Slide

## OBJECTIVES

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**OBJECTIVES**

**Elements necessary for fire**
**Identifying fire hazards**
**Classification of fires **
**Classification of Fire Extinguishers and their Use**
**Statutory requirements**
**Using and storing flammable****and combustible liquids**
**Other explosion hazards**

**S 5-2**

**Notes:**
Slide #54/Laboratory Safety/ Module 5: Laboratory Fire Safety
Slide Code: S 5-2
Slide Title: Objectives
Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
Name the four elements necessary to ignite and sustain a fire involving chemicals.
Identify the major areas of fire hazards in a biomedical area.
Describe the classification of fires.
Explain the following about fire extinguishers:
Their classification
That they work by eliminating one of the four elements of fires
Rationale for placement in various locations
When and how to use a multipurpose extinguisher
Obtaining training in use of fire extinguishers.
Describe the aspects of fire prevention that are regulated by federal or state laws, local codes and facility regulations.
Explain the guidelines for proper use and storage of flammable and combustible chemicals.  (This is also discussed in Module 2, Laboratory Chemical Safety and Spill Response, slides S 2-4 and S 2-9.)
Identify other fire and explosion hazards that may be found in the participants’ laboratories but not mentioned in the training program.

## How Fires are Ignited and Sustained

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**How Fires are ****Ignited and Sustained**

**Elements necessary to create and sustain a fire involving chemicals:**
***Fuel***
***Heat***
***Oxygen***
***Uninhibited chain reaction of combustion***

**S 5-3**

**Notes:**
Slide #55/Laboratory Safety/ Module 5: Laboratory Fire Safety
Slide Code: S 5-3
Slide Title: How Fires are Ignited and Sustained
There are  4 elements necessary to create and sustain a fire involving chemicals.  They are: Fuel, heat, oxygen, and the uninhibited chain reaction of combustion
Fire extinguishers work by eliminating one of the 4 elements necessary for a fire.  
The following can be used for effective and quick demonstrations: 
Water reduces or eliminates heat and therefore extinguishes fire.
Dry chemical (available in most labs) inhibits the chain reaction and therefore extinguishes fire.
NOTES FOR THE TRAINER.  The amount of heat required to sustain the ignition of a fire depends upon, 1) the nature of the fuel; 2) the physical state of the fuel; and 3) the fuel’s chemical nature.  The last two of these have an important bearing on its combustibility and ease of ignition.  Clearly then, flammable gases and liquid vapors are among the easiest of fuels to ignite.  Flammable gases or vapors become thermally disassociated; the free radicals produced interact with oxygen molecules to produce active species.  These facilitate further dissociation of the fuel and result in an uninhibited chain reaction.

## Identifying Fire Hazards

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**Identifying Fire Hazards**

**Inspection of **
***Chemical storage ***
***Electrical equipment setup***
***Fire extinguishing materials***
***General housekeeping***

**S 5-4**

**Notes:**
Slide #56/Laboratory Safety/ Module 5: Laboratory Fire Safety
Slide Code: S 5-4
Slide Title: Identification of Fire Hazards
The general areas of inspection for fire hazards would be:
Storage areas for the flammable and combustible chemicals.  NOTE: (1) This is further discussed later in this module. (2) Also see Module 2 for more information.  
Electrical equipment:
Extension cords are not permitted as permanent wiring.
Electrical panels are not blocked.
General good housekeeping rules:
Work area is not cluttered with combustible materials 
Pathways to fire extinguishers and exits are free and not blocked by objects
There is a clear space of 18 inches between the sprinkler head and the stored material. This is to allow for the proper functioning of the sprinkler system in the event of a fire.

## Classification of Fires

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**Classification of Fires**

**Class A - Ordinary Combustibles**
***Such as wood and paper***
**Class B - Flammable Liquids**
***Such as gasoline and alcohol***
**Class C - Electrical Fires**
***Includes power panels, computers***
**Class D - Combustible metals **
***Al, Mg, fine particles of metal in air***

**S 5-5**

**Notes:**
Slide #57/Laboratory Safety/ Module 5: Laboratory Fire Safety
Slide Code: S 5-5
Slide Title: Classification of  Fires
FIRES are classified into four major categories based on the substances involved, risks to firefighters, and methods of quenching.  All four types of fires can occur in a laboratory setting.
The 4 CLASSES of FIRES are:
Class A.  Ordinary Combustibles
Such as wood or paper  
Class B.  Flammable Liquids 
Such as gasoline and alcohols
Class C.  Electrical Fires 
Including circuits, computers, and most of the technical 	equipment used in modern research laboratories 	  
Class D.  Combustible Metals
Aluminum, magnesium, fine particles of metals in air

## Fire Extinguishers and Their Locations

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**Fire Extinguishers and ****Their Locations**

**Fire Extinguisher choice based on expected hazard****	**
_***Class A Fire Extinguisher ***_
**Offices & Corridors**
_***Class B, C, & D Fire Extinguisher***_
**Laboratories **
**Electrical equipment or mechanical rooms**
**Areas with large quantities of stored combustibles**

**S 5-6**

**Notes:**
Slide #58/Laboratory Safety/ Module 5: Laboratory Fire Safety
Slide Code: S 5-6
Slide Title: Fire Extinguishers and Their Locations
Laboratory buildings are most frequently equipped with ABC multipurpose extinguisher types. The rating system is established by Underwriters Laboratories.  (Class A, rating 2-A are usually found in corridors and offices. Laboratories usually contain 5-B:C extinguishers with carbon dioxide, although it may be better to use a larger rated model depending on cost consideration of the equipment present. ) 
1.  Class A Extinguishers are filled with various agents.  These agents include water; water-loaded stream, containing a wetting agent to reduce surface tension and allow better spreading and penetration; aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF); multipurpose dry chemical in ammonium phosphate base; and halogenated (Halon) agents. 
2.  Class B Extinguishers are used to put out fires of flammable liquids.  They contain carbon dioxide, AFFF, dry chemicals, or halogenated agents.
3. Class C Extinguishers should be used on fires in energized electrical equipment or where the fire may be in contact with electrical conductors.  In places where a fire may occur in or near electrical equipment (such as power panels or computers), the extinguisher chosen should be one that will minimize the amount of residual extinguishing agent in order to minimize equipment damage and facilitate cleanup.  Class C agents include carbon dioxide, dry chemicals, or halogenated agents.
4. Class D Extinguishers are used on fires involving combustible metals.  They are known as dry powder extinguishers.  Dry powders can be used with scoop or shovel, or with a gas cartridge-operated extinguisher.  The gas cartridge-operated extinguishers contain a mixture to improve free-flow and to form a removable solid crust after fire exposure.

## Stored Pressurized Water Extinguisher

**S 5-7**

## Caution!

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**Caution!**

**NEVER use water-based extinguishers on Class C electrical fires**
**ALWAYS use A:B:C multipurpose extinguishers in areas where multiple hazards might exist**

**S 5-8**

**Notes:**
Slide #60/Laboratory Safety/ Module 5: Laboratory Fire Safety
Slide Code: S 5-8
Slide Title: Caution!
Water-based Class A extinguishers must never be used on Class C electrical fires, regardless of the fuel.  The water stream may conduct a fatal electrical shock back to the user of the extinguisher.
When faced with a fire, inexperienced personnel may not be able to choose the proper extinguisher type when a variety of fire extinguishers are available.  To avoid this problem, fire experts frequently recommend placement of multipurpose extinguishers (A:B:C units) in all areas where multiple hazards might exist.

## Fighting A Fire

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**Fighting A Fire**

**Notify fire company **_**before**_** attempting to fight fire **
**Laboratory workers need training in operating fire extinguishers**
***Local fire departments usually provide training***

**S 5-9**

**Notes:**
Slide #61/Laboratory Safety/ Module 5: Laboratory Fire Safety
Slide Code: S 5-9
Slide Title: Fighting A Fire
The first rule in using a fire extinguisher is to notify the fire company before attempting to fight the fire, especially if the fire is large.
Occupants of laboratories should be trained in the operation of fire extinguishers.  The local fire department will generally be willing to provide this training.
Keep the path to fire extinguishers clear so that they will be easily accessible when needed.

## Using A Fire Extinguisher

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**Using A Fire Extinguisher**

**S 5-10**

## Stored Pressure Multi-purpose Dry Chemical Extinguisher

**S 5-10**

## Statutory Requirements

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**Statutory Requirements**

**Fire exit drills**
**Egress requirements**
**Locations of **
***Fire Extinguishers***
***Fire Doors ***
***Fire Blankets***
**Fire sprinkler systems in public buildings**

**S 5-11**

**Notes:**
Slide #63/Laboratory Safety/ Module 5: Laboratory Fire Safety
Slide Code: S 5-11
Slide Title: Statutory Requirements
FIRE CODES.  Some aspects of fire prevention are regulated by federal or state laws, local codes and facility regulations. OSHA requires that fire extinguishers be inspected monthly to ensure that they are in place and the seal is intact.
JCAHO requires fire exit drills to be conducted periodically. They should follow the schedule and the procedure described in the Fire Protection Program of the facility.
Egress requirements establish a maximum distance from any point on the floor to the stairway exit from that floor and set minimum hallway and corridor widths. Basically this means that exit doors and hallways must not be blocked.
Fire extinguishers should be located near the door to each laboratory. They should be checked for full charge each year, hydrostatically tested every five years, and labeled appropriately with an affixed inspection tag.
Fire doors must be located between corridors and stairways for all institutional and educational occupancies. They must not be blocked open.
Fire blankets are provided for some areas.
Fire codes generally require the use of sprinkler systems in all areas of public building constructed below the surface grade.  Most systems are water-operated.

## Flammable and Combustible Liquids

- <date/time>

**Flammable and Combustible Liquids**

**Chief source of laboratory fire hazards is *****improper *****USE***** *****and***** *****STORAGE***** *****of: **
***	******Flammable materials ***
***	******Combustible materials***
**Best storage location:**
***Vented storage cabinet ***

**S 5-12**

**Notes:**
Slide #64/Laboratory Safety/ Module 5: Laboratory Fire Safety
Slide Code: S 5-12
Slide Title: Flammable and Combustible Liquids
DEFINITIONS  
Flammable liquid - has a flash point below 37.8oC (100oF) and a vapor pressure not exceeding 40 psi (pounds per square inch) at 37.8oC
Combustible liquid - has its flash point at or above 37.8oC (100oF)
The chief source of fire hazards in the biomedical laboratory is the improper use and storage of flammable and combustible chemicals.
OSHA - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has published specifications for the storage of flammable liquids.
NFPA - The National Fire Protection Association has recommended standards for flammable liquid storage based upon the use of the space where the materials are stored.
The best storage location for flammable liquids is in a ventilated storage cabinet especially designed for their storage.
The cabinet found under some fume hoods may be used for storage of small quantities of flammable liquids, but only if local codes permit.  One place not suitable for the storage of flammable liquids is inside the fume hood itself. 
Any questions about storage should be directed to the Safety  Office of your facility. 

## Other Explosion Hazards

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**Other Explosion Hazards**

**Static Electricity **
**	****Preventing accumulation:**
***Ground flammable liquids storage containers***
***Electrically bond metal containers when transferring flammable materials ***
***Do not “splash-fill”***
**Storing waste solvents**
***Including radioactive isotopes***

**S 5-13**

**Notes:**
Slide #65/Laboratory Safety/ Module 5: Laboratory Fire Safety
Slide Code: S 5-13
Slide Title: Other Explosion Hazards
OVERVIEW.  Static electricity is produced by the movement of electrons when dissimilar substances in contact with each other are separated. Movement produces excess charges on the separated substances.  If the items are nonconductive, no electrical flow results and the charges cannot escape, that is, they are static.  Accumulation of static electricity varies depending on 1) the composition of materials, 2) humidity, and 3) individual variables such as type of clothing fabric, dryness of skin, etc.
Static electricity charges cannot be prevented but can be safely discharged by:
Electrically grounding all storage containers used for flammable liquids.
Electrically bonding or connecting together all metal containers used when transferring flammable liquids.  Conductive filling hoses, which make electrical contact with the container being filled, should be used.  Bonding wire, which connects the containers during the liquid transfer process, must be provided as an alternative to filling hoses.
Do not “splash-fill” containers.  The turbulence can generate static charge.  Use a funnel with a long delivery tube to avoid excessive splashing and allow time for slow and even flow during the transfer.
Storage of waste solvents containing radioactive isotopes should be handled as a potential fire hazard.  Any concerns or questions should be directed to your Radiation Safety Officer (RSO).  

## Handling Flammable Chemicals

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**Handling Flammable Chemicals**

**Common Sense Precautions:**
***Cap containers tightly when not in use***
***Avoid open flame sources and nearby heat ***
***Utilize smallest possible quantities***
***Use only proper protocol***
***Notice potential static electricity***

**S 5-14**

**Notes:**
Slide #66/Laboratory Safety/ Module 5: Laboratory Fire Safety
Slide Code: S 5-14
Slide Title: Handling Flammable Chemicals
COMMON SENSE PRECAUTIONS. 
Be certain to cap the flammable liquid containers tightly.
Avoid open sources of flame as well as nearby heat sources.
Plan ahead!  Minimize the quantities you use, thereby minimizing the hazards. 
Know your protocol and be certain that you are using the correct chemical correctly.
Be aware of the potential effect of static electricity. Accumulation of static electricity depends on the composition of the materials, humidity, and the personal variables of the workers, such as dryness of skin, type of clothing fabric, etc.

## FIRE: A Most Serious Hazard

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**FIRE: A Most Serious Hazard**

**FIRE - the easiest hazard to guard against**
***Eliminate fire potential sources***
**Keep the facility clean and clutter free**
**Properly use and store flammable material**

**S 5-15**

**Notes:**
Slide #67/Laboratory Safety/ Module 5: Laboratory Fire Safety
Slide Code: S 5-15
Slide Title: Fire: A  Most Serious Hazard
Although fire is possibly among the most serious of hazards encountered in a laboratory, it is probably the easiest to guard against.
A  laboratory has many potential ignition sources which might not be simple to identify or eliminate.  However, simple good housekeeping procedures help eliminate the sources of hazard.
Keep the facility clean and clutter free.
Use flammable material properly.
Store flammable material properly.
Remember!
Fire fatalities rarely result from direct exposure to flames.  Smoke or superheated air causes fire fatalities.  Fire is possibly the most serious hazard of the laboratory, but fire is also the easiest to guard against.  Eliminate potential fuel sources.

## SUMMARY

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**SUMMARY**

**Elements of and sustaining a fire**
**Classes of fires**
**Classification and use of fire extinguishers**
**Statutory requirements**
**Using - storing flammable and combustible liquids**
**Other explosion hazards**

**S 5-16**

**Notes:**
Slide #68/Laboratory Safety/ Module 5: Laboratory Fire Safety
Slide Code: S 5-16
Slide Title: Summary
SUGGESTION.  Ask the participants to discuss the 6 statements given in the Summary.  Their answers should include the following terms:
Elements necessary to create and sustain a chemical fire - fuel, oxygen, heat, chain reaction of combustion...
Identifying fire hazards - location and storage of flammables and combustibles, electrical areas, clutter free housekeeping...
Classes of fires - combustible, flammable, electrical, combustible metal, power panels, computers, electrical equipment...
Classes of and using fire extinguishers - various agents used in extinguishers, dry powder, multipurpose extinguisher, first rule, when to call the fire department...
Statutory requirements - fire exit drills, egress requirements, fire extinguishers, fire doors, sprinkler system...
Guidelines for using flammable or combustible liquids - OSHA, NFPA, chief source of fire hazards, best storage location...
Other explosion hazards - static electricity, electrical grounding and bonding, “splash-fill”, radioactive isotopes, knowing proper protocol and using it, how to eliminate potential ignition sources.

## FOR MORE INFORMATION

- <date/time>

**FOR MORE INFORMATION**

**Fire Protection Program of your facility**
**OSHA**
*** ******29 CFR Subpart E - Means of Egress, ******1910.35 - 1910.40***
**NFPA**
*** ******NFPA 101, Life Safety Code***
*** ******NFPA 99, Standard for Healthcare Facilities***

**S 5-17**

**Notes:**
Slide #69/Laboratory Safety/ Module 5: Laboratory Fire Safety
Slide Code: S 5-17
Slide Title: For More Information
Copies of these printed materials are available from your employer at your facility.
The facility Fire Protection Program
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
29 CFR Subpart E - Means of Egress, 1910.35 - 1910.40
NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association)
NFPA 101, Life Safety Code
NFPA 99, Standard for Healthcare Facilities