25 Mar Laboratory Fire Safety
Because environments might provide a major and immediate fire danger, appropriate fire protection is critical for technicians and employees’ safety.
Fires in laboratories may have a catastrophic effect on production and output, with the potential for substantial damage or the loss of vital assets, data, samples, findings, or research, disrupting operations long after the emergency has passed.
My Fire proposes installing a complete fire protection solution that is tailored for the individual requirements of the facility, taking into account the sort of work carried out inside the site, to minimise the danger and damage of a laboratory fire.
This should include highly specialised equipment in laboratory conditions to preserve critical industry-specific assets, such as fume cabinets, by assisting in the suppression of fires at the source.
This will reduce the chance of harmful by-products being discharged into the atmosphere.
Advanced fire protection equipment is one important way to reduce the risk of fire in a laboratory, but My Fire Safety also recommends that you review the following safety tips on a regular basis to ensure that you have all of the necessary elements of a comprehensive fire strategy protection plan in place.
FIRE STRATEGY – ARE YOU ACCOUNTABLE? SPEAK TO AN EXPERT
Tips for Laboratory Managers on Fire Safety
- Install proper fire fighting equipment. To meet the nature of work and kind of equipment used in labolatories, more modern fire detection and suppression systems are suggested in addition to fire extinguishers, fire hose reels, and fire doors.
- Use the proper signs. All risks, fire protection equipment, and emergency exits should be identified with signs. To safeguard laboratory personnel’ safety and avoid potential burns, all chemicals, corrosive, flammable, or poisonous compounds, and radioactive materials must be properly kept, identified, and handled.
- Conduct fire risk assessment on a regular basis. This will aid in identifying possible fire hazards around the facility and determining the best fire protection solution.
- Provide service and upkeep. Fire prevention necessitates that systems and equipment meet the specifications for which they were built and installed. Today’s technologies may assist labs in being compliant and current.
- Make sure all metal drums are grounded. When more than 8 liters of a non-conductive liquid is moved, enough static charge may build up on the system to serve as an ignite source.
- Educate and train employees. A self-assured team that has been taught to react effectively in the case of a fire is a priceless investment that may significantly lessen the severity of a catastrophe.
- Stay current on regulations and laws. In line with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, laboratory managers must understand their obligations in terms of ethical and legal fire safety standards, as well as design an acceptable fire prevention strategy.
What should you discover a laboratory fire?
- Notify. Other people in the area, also known as YELL. Notify others elsewhere in the building by the use of fire alarms.
- Attempt to extinguish if it is safe to do so.
- Evacuate. Evacuate the immediate area of the building where the incident occurred.
- Isolate. Shut the lab doors, close the corridor doors, and lower the hood sash.
My Fire Safety can assist in identifying possible threats and implementing the best fire safety solution. Contact our staff at 0800 999 11 25 for more information.
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) click here.
If you would like to arrange a free fire risk consultation, contact us
My Fire Safety. Co-Space, 25 Town Square,
Stevenage, SG1 1BP. 0800 999 11 25
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