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OSHA Fire Safety

Authors: Terry Jo Gile, MT(ASCP) MA Ed; Judi Bennett, BSM, MT

Course Instructions
Welcome! Please proceed through this course by clicking on the arrows in the upper right or text links on the lower left of the page. Monitor your progress with the Table of Contents, and return to your Student Homepage by clicking on the Home icon. Your progress will be saved automatically as you proceed through the course. If you exit the course, you can continue from where you left off, even if you use a different computer. As you progress through the course, you may find knowledge assessment questions that cover the material you've read so far. These practice questions are not graded or recorded.

Course Info
This course carries the following continuing education credits:
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P.A.C.E. Contact Hours: 1.00 hour(s) Course Number: 578-026-12 Florida CE: Supervision/Administration, Quality Control/Quality Assurance, and Safety: 1.00 hour(s)

About Fires

Introduction
Fire is a chemical reaction that requires the rapid burning of fuel. A combination of heat, oxygen, and fuel are the components required to create fire. Removing any one of these elements will extinguish the fire. For example:

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Covering a fire will remove its oxygen source, extinguishing the fire. Applying water to a fire removes its heat, extinguishing the fire.

About Fires

Be Alert and Knowledgeable

The laboratory contains numerous materials that could create or contribute to a fire, including:

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Regular combustibles like, paper, cardboard, and plastics Flammable chemicals Compressed gases Electrical equipment

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), fire is the MOST common of the serious hazards that workers face in a typical laboratory. Individuals should remain alert to the potential fire hazards in your workplace and be knowledgeable about methods of fire prevention and containment.

About Fires

Ungraded Practice Question

Which of the following statements concerning the laboratory and fire is INCORRECT? Please select the single best answer j Heat, oxygen, and fuel are the three components of fire. k l m n j Fire is NOT a safety concern in the clinical laboratory. k l m n j The laboratory contains numerous materials that could create or contribute to a fire. k l m n j Fire is one of the MOST common serious hazards in the typical laboratory. k l m n

About Fires

Ungraded Practice Question

Which of the following statements concerning the laboratory and fire is INCORRECT? Please select the single best answer j Heat, oxygen, and fuel are the three components of fire. k l m n j Fire is NOT a safety concern in the clinical laboratory. k l m n j The laboratory contains numerous materials that could create or contribute to a fire. k l m n j Fire is one of the MOST common serious hazards in the typical laboratory. k l m n

Feedback It is definitely incorrect to say that fire is NOT a safety concern in the laboratory. Individuals should always remain alert to the potential fire hazards in the workplace and be knowledgeable about methods of fire prevention and containment. Fire is a chemical reaction that requires the rapid burning of fuel. A combination of heat, oxygen, and fuel are the components required to create fire. The laboratory contains numerous materials that could create or contribute to a fire, including:

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Regular combustibles like, paper, cardboard, and plastics Flammable chemicals Compressed gases Electrical equipment

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), fire is the MOST common of the serious hazards that workers face in a typical laboratory.

Three Classes of Fire

Classes of Fire and Proper Types of Extinguishers

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting human life and property from fire. The NFPA has

designated classes of fire based on the type of material that is fueling the fire. In order to properly extinguish a fire, you must be familiar with the three MOST common classes of fires:
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Class A Class B Class C

The MOST common types of laboratory extinguishers are:

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Pressurized dry chemical (ABC or BC) Carbon dioxide (CO )

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Note: Water-filled fire extinguishers are NOT appropriate for laboratory use due to the presence of class B and C ignition sources.

Three Classes of Fire

Class A Fires
Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood, or cloth. This type of fire is the MOST common and is fairly simple to contain and extinguish. Types of fire extinguishers used to extinguish a class A fire:

General purpose, pressurized dry chemical ABC extinguisher Water extinguisher

Important comments:
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Water extinguishers are NOT appropriate for use in a laboratory setting. Class A fires tend to smolder for long periods of time. ABC extinguishers are the BEST all-around choice for extinguishing a class A fire, but leaves a messy blanket of non-flammable material that is potentially abrasive and can be corrosive to metal. ABC extinguishers are NOT recommended for use around computers or sensitive equipment.

Three Classes of Fire

Class B Fires
Class B fires involve flammable liquids and gases, including chemicals and grease. Types of fire extinguishers used to extinguish a class B fire:
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General purpose, pressurized dry chemical ABC extinguisher BC pressurized dry chemical extinguisher Carbon dioxide (CO ) extinguisher
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Important comments:
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NEVER use water on a class B fire since this will only increase the hazard. Class B fires can flash back and reignite after being extinguished.

Three Classes of Fire

Class C Fires
Class C fires involve electricity and electrically energized equipment. Types of fire extinguishers used to extinguish a class C fire:
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Carbon dioxide (CO ) extinguisher

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General purpose, pressurized dry chemical ABC extinguisher

Important comments:
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NEVER use water on a class B or C fire since this will only increase the hazard. CO2 may be preferred because it does not leave a

corrosive residue. CO extinguishers can become extremely cold and cause

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cold burns if not handled properly.

Three Classes of Fire

Ungraded Practice Question

Match each of the following descriptions to the appropriate fire class or extinguisher type. Select the correct match for each item from the drop-down box Choose Choose Choose Choose Choose
6 The MOST common types of laboratory fire extinguishers 6 Type of fire that involves flammable liquids and gases 6 The MOST common class of fire, involving ordinary combustible materials 6 A type of fire extinguisher that is NOT appropriate for laboratory use 6 Type of fire involving electricity

Three Classes of Fire

Ungraded Practice Question

Match each of the following descriptions to the appropriate fire class or extinguisher type. Select the correct match for each item from the drop-down box Choose Choose Choose Choose Choose
6 ABC, BC, or CO2 The MOST common types of laboratory fire extinguishers 6 Class B 6 Class A 6 Water-filled 6 Class C

Type of fire that involves flammable liquids and gases The MOST common class of fire, involving ordinary combustible materials A type of fire extinguisher that is NOT appropriate for laboratory use Type of fire involving electricity

Feedback The MOST common types of laboratory fire extinguishers are:

Pressurized dry chemical (ABC or BC)

Carbon dioxide (CO2 )

Class B fires involve flammable liquids and gases, including chemicals and grease. An ABC, BC, or CO extinguisher can be used to
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extinguish a class B fire. Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood, or cloth. This type of fire is the MOST common and is fairly simple to contain and extinguish. Any general purpose, pressurized dry chemical extinguisher can be used to fight a class A fire. Water-filled fire extinguishers are NOT appropriate for laboratory use due to the presence of class B and C ignition sources. Class C fires involve electricity and can be extinguished using a CO2 or general purpose, pressurized dry chemical ABC extinguisher. A CO extinguisher may be preferred because it doesn't leave a corrosive residue.
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Fire Safety

Fire Safety Responsibility

Management staff are required to comply with applicable local, state, and federal guidelines, standards, and regulations to help ensure safe laboratory operation. Additional responsibilities include:

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Implementing a safety program that includes a thorough and comprehensive fire prevention plan Providing initial training and at least annual review of the fire protection plan Performing at least annual audits to uncover potential fire safety hazards and help ensure that fire-fighting equipment, alarms, and evacuation procedures are appropriate and ready for a fire emergency

The responsibility to provide a safe work environment does NOT stop at the management level. ALL laboratory associates are required to follow facility specific procedures designed to reduce that potential for a fire-related emergency. At a minimum, these safe work practices include:

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Active participation in safety training and fire drills Identification of potential fire hazards and immediate reporting to management staff or safety officer

Fire Safety

Laboratory Situations That May Create or Contribute to a Fire

Always be alert for any conditions that could cause or contribute to a fire and notify a supervisor or safety officer immediately. These situations could include:
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Improper storage, use, or spills of flammable or combustible chemicals Overloaded electrical circuits Poorly maintained or damaged electrical equipment, including loose electrical switches or frayed equipment cords Electrical malfunctions Improper storage or handling of compressed gas cylinders Improper placement of heat-producing equipment around

combustible materials Over-accumulation of regular combustibles like paper, cardboard, plastics

Fire Safety

Ungraded Practice Question

Drag and drop each of the following examples into the category that it represents. Drag each item from the left into the appropriate gray box on the right.

All laboratory associates actively participate in fire drills Heat-producing equipment is located in close proximity to combustible materials When a potential fire hazard is identified, it is immediately reported to management or the safety officer Overloaded electrical circuits Labcoat hung on an unsecured gas cylinder

Helps to Ensure a Safe Laboratory Environment

May Create or Contribute to a Laboratory Fire

Having problems with this question? Try alternate question format

Fire Safety

Ungraded Practice Question

Drag and drop each of the following examples into the category that it represents. Drag each item from the left into the appropriate gray box on the right.

Helps to Ensure a Safe Laboratory Environment

Correct answers All laboratory associates actively participate in fire drills When a potential fire hazard is identified, it is immediately reported to management or the safety officer

May Create or Contribute to a Laboratory Fire

Correct answers Heat-producing equipment is located in close proximity to combustible materials Overloaded electrical circuits Labcoat hung on an unsecured gas cylinder

Feedback In order to help ensure a safe environment, all laboratory associates should actively participate in fire drills. Associates should always be alert for any conditions that could cause or contribute to a fire and notify a supervisor or safety officer immediately. These situations could include:
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Improper placement of heat-producing equipment around combustible materials Overloaded electrical circuits Improper storage or handling of compressed gas cylinders

Fire Prevention - Minimizing Risk

Fire Safety Policies and Procedures

Fire prevention includes ongoing, consistent compliance of laboratory fire safety policies and procedures by all associates. These include:

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Storing flammable chemicals and gases properly Reading labels and the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for any flammable chemicals Minimizing quantities of flammable chemicals and gases Cleaning spills involving flammable chemicals immediately Keeping work areas clean and free of clutter Discarding and removing flammable waste promptly Keeping fire barriers in place (closed doors) Correcting fire hazards if possible or reporting to laboratory management

Fire Prevention - Minimizing Risk

Know the Work Area

All workers should know the locations of the nearest:

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Fire extinguishers Fire alarm pull stations Evacuation exits in assigned work area Emergency equipment, such as showers, eyewash stations, and fire blankets

Fire Prevention - Minimizing Risk

Good Housekeeping
Good housekeeping is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of fire. At a minimum:

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Keep the workplace neat and orderly. Do NOT permit large quantities of combustibles, such as empty boxes, to accumulate. Keep hallways, doors, and access to emergency equipment unobstructed at all times. Do NOT allow boxes, equipment, or other objects to block fire exits.

Fire Prevention - Minimizing Risk

Proper Storage of Flammable or Combustible Liquids and Gases

Controlling the conditions that can ignite or fuel a fire is a primary component of laboratory fire prevention. To reduce the risk of fire, the following storage considerations for combustible or flammable liquids or gases should be followed:

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Store flammable liquids in compliant containers, placed inside a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) approved cabinet, rather than on open shelving. Store flammable gases in compliant cylinders located in a special room specifically for flammable gases. All gas cylinders should be secured in racks or by some other means. Doors leading to areas where materials are stored that present a fire hazard should have signage alerting to the hazards that are present. If required, use only approved refrigerators or freezers approved for storage of combustible or flammable liquids. Standard refrigerators can NOT be used and should be labeled to prohibit the storage of such liquids. Eliminate ignition sources and excessive heat. Limit the amount of flammable liquids or gases within general work areas to a one week working supply. Properly segregate incompatible materials.

Fire Prevention - Minimizing Risk

Fire Plan & Fire Drills

It is important to become familiar with the facility fire plan and review it periodically. Thorough training and regularly scheduled drills to practice evacuation procedures can directly influence the outcome of an emergency situation. Fire drill requirements are regulated by the local and state fire codes, accrediting agencies, and insurance requirements for individual organizations. While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not provide specific requirements as to the frequency of fire drills, it is recommended that they should be conducted at least annually. OSHA standard 1910.156(c)(2) states that if a fire brigade exists and the members are expected to perform interior structural fire fighting, fire drills should be conducted at least quarterly. Generally, ALL staff should participate at least ANNUALLY in fire exit drills. Some health care facilities will adopt more frequent drills, as recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. NFPA requires quarterly drills on every shift. Every fire alarm that sounds should be treated as a true emergency. During a drill, important elements of fire safety training are tested, including:

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Primary and secondary evacuation route locations Exiting using the stairwells and NEVER the elevators Fire doors that are unlocked, NOT blocked, and NEVER propped open

Fire Prevention - Minimizing Risk

Ungraded Practice Question

Which of the following is either an example of an effective way to reduce the risk of fire or descibes a proper fire safety procedure? (Choose all that apply.) More than one answer is correct. Please select all correct answers c Minimize quantities of combustible or flammable chemicals d e f g c Ensure that fire exits remain propped open for easy access d e f g c Know the location of fire fighting equipment d e f g c Ensure that the laboratory is orderly and uncluttered d e f g

Fire Prevention - Minimizing Risk

Ungraded Practice Question

Which of the following is either an example of an effective way to reduce the risk of fire or descibes a proper fire safety procedure? (Choose all that apply.) More than one answer is correct. Please select all correct answers c Minimize quantities of combustible or flammable chemicals d e f g c Ensure that fire exits remain propped open for easy access d e f g c Know the location of fire fighting equipment d e f g c Ensure that the laboratory is orderly and uncluttered d e f g

Feedback Fire safety procedures are intended to protect associates and reduce the risk of fire. Some examples include:

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Minimizing quantities of combustible or flammable chemicals Knowing the location and proper use of fire fighting equipment Ensuring that good housekeeping practices are routinely performed to maintain an orderly and uncluttered environment

Fire exits should NEVER be propped open. Doors should be closed to create a fire barrier that is necessary to help prevent a fire from spreading.

Responding to Fires

Remain Calm
Panic has caused more deaths and injuries during building fires than have flames. It is of the utmost importance to remain calm and help to reassure others. Orderly evacuation, NOT speed, is a critical factor when evacuating a building that has a direct correlation with saving lives. Memorizing the proper steps to take in case of a fire, such as RACE and PASS, helps to remind you what to do during a panic situation.

Responding to Fires

Decision to Fight or Evacuate

To fight or evacuate when faced with a fire is a critical decision. The ultimate goal is the protection of life. Decide to Fight Small laboratory fires are not uncommon and when properly trained to use a fire extinguisher, laboratorians can contain and extinguish the beginning stages of a fire. The decision to fight a fire is based on the policies and procedures of the individual laboratory. Do NOT attempt to fight a fire unless ALL of the following are TRUE:

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The fire is small, contained, and has NOT spread past the point of origin The exit is clear and you can stay low and fight the fire with your back to the exit You can avoid smoke You are trained to use the fire extinguisher and the appropriate extinguisher is in the immediate vicinity The fire alarm has been activated Personnel have been evacuated from the vicinity of the fire

It is also important not to use more than one fire extinguisher at the same time. In that scenario, it is possible to "blow" the fire on top of another person. Or Evacuate If the slightest doubt exists about control of the situation, staff should evacuate.

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Staff members should NEVER be required to fight a fire. Remember to close the door behind you when evacuating. When the laboratory staff evacuates the workplace, a predetermined employee meeting place should have been identified. In the event of an emergency, conducting a head count at the designated meeting place will help to determine if anyone is

missing.

Responding to Fires

Ungraded Practice Question

Which of the following must be TRUE before deciding to fight a fire? (Choose all that apply.) More than one answer is correct. Please select all correct answers c The fire is large and spreading into adjacent areas. d e f g c The associate is trained to use the fire extinguisher and the appropriate extinguisher is available. d e f g c The room has filled with smoke. d e f g c The fire alarm has been activated and personnel have been evacuated. d e f g

Responding to Fires

Ungraded Practice Question

Which of the following must be TRUE before deciding to fight a fire? (Choose all that apply.) More than one answer is correct. Please select all correct answers c The fire is large and spreading into adjacent areas. d e f g c The associate is trained to use the fire extinguisher and the appropriate extinguisher is available. d e f g c The room has filled with smoke. d e f g c The fire alarm has been activated and personnel have been evacuated. d e f g

Feedback The decision to fight a fire is based on the policies and procedures of the individual laboratory. Do NOT attempt to fight a fire unless ALL of the following are TRUE:

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The fire is small, contained, and has NOT spread past the point of origin. The exit is clear and you can stay low and fight the fire with your back to the exit. You can avoid smoke. You are trained to use the fire extinguisher and the appropriate extinguisher is in the immediate vicinity. The fire alarm has been activated. Personnel have be evacuated from the vicinity of the fire.

Responding to Fires

PASS
To use a fire extinguisher, remember the acronym PASS. This stands for:
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PULL the pin AIM the hose at the base of the fire SQUEEZE the lever SWEEP the hose from side to side

View this course online to access video content.

Responding to Fires

Ungraded Practice Question

Place the following actions in the correct order when operating a fire extinguisher. Drag items up and down to put them into the correct order. Sweep the hose from side to side Squeeze the lever Pull the pin Aim the hose at the base of the fire

Having problems with this question? Try alternate question format

Responding to Fires

Ungraded Practice Question

Place the following actions in the correct order when operating a fire extinguisher. View this course online to access video content. Drag items up and down to put them into the correct order.

Pull the pin Aim the hose at the base of the fire Squeeze the lever Sweep the hose from side to side

Feedback To use a fire extinguisher, remember the acronym PASS. This stands for:
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PULL the pin AIM the hose at the base of the fire SQUEEZE the lever SWEEP the hose from side to side

Responding to Fires

RACE
RACE is a useful acronym that helps staff to remember the proper steps in the correct order when responding to a fire emergency. This procedure can be used by an individual working alone, but is better applied by using teamwork.
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RESCUE: remove anyone in danger. If necessary move patients behind the next set of fire doors. ALARM: activate the nearest fire alarm. CONTAIN: confine the fire by closing the surrounding windows and doors. EXTINGUISH or EVACUATE: if the fire is small and you can extinguish it safely, use an extinguisher. If you cannot safely extinguish the fire, evacuate.

References

References
CAP Commission on Laboratory Accreditation- Laboratory Accreditation Program. Laboratory General Checklist. Northfield, IL: College of American Pathologists; July 2013. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Clinical Laboratory Safety; Approved Guideline. 3rd ed. CLSI document GP17-A3. Wayne, PA: CLSI; June 2012. National Fire Protection Agency. NFPA 99: Standard for Health Care Facilities. National Fire Protection Agency. Quincy, MA; 2012. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standard, 29 CFR Part 1910 Subpart L, Fire Protection. Available at http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owastand.display_standard_group?p_toc_level=1&p_part_number=1910. Accessed on December 2, 2013.