Each laboratory is required to create and maintain a fire prevention plan. What exactly does this plan entail? A fire prevention plan should include, at minimum, the identification of potential fire hazards in your lab, your available firefighting tools, and an action plan that outlines employees’ responsibilities during a fire or evacuation.
First, it is best to determine what fire risks are present in your labs. The best way to begin would be to inventory any flammable chemicals used and stored on-site. Some flammable materials such as alcohol can accumulate quickly, and it is necessary to know how much is stored in the department and where. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that quantities of flammable liquids greater than 25 gallons in a single room must be stored inside of a flammable storage cabinet (1926.152(b)(2)). The National Fire Protection Agency (specifically standards NFPA 45 and 30) takes it a bit further and focuses on limits based on total square footage in the lab. The NFPA limits the amount of flammable liquid stored outside a flammable storage cabinet to no more than 1 gallon per 100 ft2, or 2 gallons per 100 ft2 if you use fire safety cans. This storage limit doubles if an automatic fire suppression system is in place. The limitation of flammable materials in a concentrated area enables a fire suppression system to more easily extinguish a fire if one were to occur.
Next, look at the amount of combustible items stored around the lab. Are there several boxes of paper stacked next to photocopiers? Large amounts of combustible material in a single area can help fuel a potential fire. Are items stored too close to the ceiling? Check to see that there is at least 24 inches of clearance from the ceiling so that sprinklers are not blocked. Finally, inspect your electrical equipment. Look for daisy chains or permanently placed extension cords in the lab. As part of routine physical environmental rounding, it is best to search for these prohibited situations while also seeking out frayed cords and damaged electrical equipment.
Another component of the labs’ fire prevention is having the correct tools in place to combat a fire should one occur. The local fire authority will determine how many fire extinguishers are required in the laboratory and where they should be placed. To ensure adequate operation of this firefighting equipment, extinguishers should undergo routine checks which include annual maintenance. OSHA also requires a monthly visual inspection of all portable extinguishers (OSHA-1910.157(e)(2)). Verify that staff know the locations of their nearest fire extinguishers and that they can operate the specific types provided. Is there an automated sprinkler system in the facility? Staff should be aware of the location of fire pull alarms and have education about the alarm process (including calling any emergency numbers).
Lastly, the fire prevention plan should detail information about staff response to a fire, including fire drill and evacuation training. The safest way to evacuate is to have a predetermined evacuation route and muster (meeting) location. Staff should physically walk their full evacuation route annually all the way to their muster location and back. If this route becomes impassable, there should be an alternative evacuation route. During drills, walk one route to the muster location, then walk back via the alternate route. It is also wise to outline the expectations of staff members once they reach that muster location during the drill. If a large group evacuates at the same time, using a checklist or a buddy system can help staff keep track of who is present and who is not. Encourage your staff to stay at the muster location and not to wander off. If a supervisor is taking a roll call at the muster location, a staff member might be counted as missing if they leave to chat with a buddy in a different area. The last thing anyone wants is for a rescue worker to run into a burning building to search for a person who is not even at work that day. As the laboratory grows, so should the fire prevention plan. The addition of new equipment or a change in the current procedure warrants a review of the plan. It is recommended that fire safety policies and procedures are reviewed annually, and when changes are made, communicate that information to staff quickly. Ensuring that equipment is in place, that items are stored properly, and that staff are made ready to respond can lead to much better outcomes should a real fire occur in the laboratory.
-Jason P. Nagy, PhD, MLS(ASCP)CM is a Lab Safety Coordinator for Sentara Healthcare, a hospital system with laboratories throughout Virginia and North Carolina. He is an experienced Technical Specialist with a background in biotechnology, molecular biology, clinical labs, and most recently, a focus in laboratory safety.
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