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Each laboratory needs a comprehensive fire protection plan

Lab Safety Advisor, October 7, 2005

This October, make sure your lab creates a comprehensive fire protection plan that includes:

• A map showing the location of each fire alarm pull, the location of each exit, the locations of fire extinguishers and hoses and employee evacuation routes.
• Designation of the person(s) responsible for regular maintenance checks and operational tests of fire alarm systems and fire suppression equipment.  It is important to be sure the fire alarm can be heard in the laboratory and that alternative measures have been taken for those with a hearing impairment such as a blinking light bulb.
• Designation of the person responsible for providing fire safety training to new employees and a policy statement that such training must be completed within the first week of employment.
• A policy statement prohibiting staff from propping fire doors open or storing material or equipment in hallways where it could block evacuation routes.

Good housekeeping is one of the best fire prevention strategies.  Do not permit large quantities of combustibles to accumulate in trash receptacles and keep trash away from sources of heat.  Keep corridors free of clutter and never use a wedge or other device to prop fire resistant doors open.

Fire drills should be conducted quarterly on each shift.  Due to the nature of laboratory testing, it is not possible to stop all testing for a drill to allow everyone to evacuate at one time.  By scheduling drills to evacuate 25% of the staff at each quarterly fire drill, all employees learn exit routes and the location of the triage area.  Employees must know the primary exit and an alternate secondary exit in case the primary exit is blocked.  Assign staff to assist with the evacuation of employees with disabilities.

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