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Five Safety Rules If Your Lab Is on Fire

Fires in a laboratory can be especially hot or move quickly depending on the type of chemicals and equipment in the lab. Having some knowledge of emergency preparedness can help in this situation. Before a fire, it can be helpful to make sure that everyone utilizing the lab is aware of safety rules and procedures.

  1. Stay Calm

    • Assess the situation logically. Accidents can occur when people in emergency situations panic. Determine if the fire can be put out using a fire extinguisher or if you need to call emergency services. If the fire is moving quickly or giving off a lot of smoke make sure that you pull the fire alarm if it is not already activated and turn on any sprinkler system that may be installed.

    Evacuate

    • Evacuate the lab when the fire starts; do not wait for it to get out of control or grow larger. Even a small fire can be dangerous in a lab environment. Make sure that everyone is aware of the evacuation route and that there is a meeting place outside of the building where employees can be counted to make sure that no one is still in the building.

    Small Fires

    • The fire may be small enough that you feel comfortable using a fire extinguisher or other fire safety tools to help contain or put out the blaze. Only attempt this after you make sure that everyone else is out safely. If the fire is not put out within a few moments or if it grows worse, leave quickly and let emergency services handle it.

    Call Emergency Services

    • Emergency services such as the paramedics and the fire department may be called automatically the moment that the lab's fire alarm is triggered. If not make sure that you call emergency services from outside of the building. Give them as many details as possible such as the location, approximate size of the fire, and any accelerants that may be in the path of the fire.

    Leave It

    • Many people try to take objects with them when they evacuate a building such as purses, laptop computers and files. Searching for and carrying these items can slow down an evacuation attempt and may lead to injury if the person remains in the building. If the item is not small and easily accessible as you are leaving the lab, do not take it. Wait for emergency crews to put the fire out and deem the lab safe before going back in after personal belongings.

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