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Your best defense against fire damage

Lab Safety Advisor, October 18, 2005

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that 93% of all fire-related deaths and 95% of all direct property damage occurs after the fire has progressed beyond the early stages.  Your best defense against fire damage is to ensure that staff knows what to do in the event of a fire so they can respond quickly.  All employees must know:

 

  • Where exits and fire alarm pull stations are located
  • Evacuation routes
  • Where fire extinguishers and fire hoses are located
  • How to use extinguishers and fire hoses. 

 

Use the acronym R.A.C.E. to help staff know what to do if they discover a fire:

 

            Remove all persons from the immediate area

            Activate the nearest fire alarm box

            Contain the fire by closing the fire doors

            Evacuate the area

 

The PASS can be an easy way to remind staff about how to use a fire extinguisher:

 

            Pull the pin

            Aim at the base of the fire

            Squeeze the lever

            Sweep the nozzle from side to side

 

Fire blankets are optional but very helpful with clothing fires.  Train staff to use the "Stop, Drop and Roll" technique.  Never wrap a standing person in a fire blanket because the blanket can act as a chimney delivering hot gases to the individual's face.  Clothing made of polyester (e.g.: lab coats) can melt on the skin when ignited.  If possible, tear the clothing off the employee, throw it on the floor, cover it with a fire blanket and stomp on it to extinguish the flames.

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