Prevent and Prepare for Accidents Even if no one is injured, a laboratory fire can be devastating for your research program. Labs are often full of flammable liquids and ignition sources. Limit volumes outside of these cabinets to what is required for a day s work. Take extra care with hotplates and baths-overheating is a common cause of lab fires. Chemical spills can also hamper research.
Mercury spills from broken thermometers are far too common.
Your staff should know how to confine and clean up a spill, and have a spill kit available. Better yet, use mercury-free thermometers. They are safe, accurate, and cost-effective. See the Guide or call us for more information. Your laboratory may be inspected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for hazardous waste storage and disposal.