In this blog we will be discussing a few things that might help in fire safety and prevention in order to avoid something such as the image below
Let us first discuss and enumerate somethings to keep in mind for fire safety
Keep the following in mind at all times:
-You should be able to recognize hazards
-You should evaluate the space before lab
tests or chemical reactions have
begun. This includes
housekeeping and storage
practices.
-You must protect yourself through the
proper use of PPE (personal
protective equipment) and
emergency equipment.
Take into note that housekeeping is an essential component of
fire safety in labs.Do the following in order to lessen tragedies from happening.
-Lab area must be kept clean as work
allows.
-Unused combustible items, such as
unused boxes and paper should be
cleared from the lab workspace.
-Stored items should not block access to
the fire extinguishers or other safety
equipment (eyewashes, safety showers),
or block access to exits.
A vital part of a laboratory is having the proper emergency equipment take note of the following and always keep them on mind.
-Know where the emergency safety
equipment in located in the lab space.
-There should be access to a fire extinguisher.
-Know where the closest fire alarm pull station
is located.
-There should be a safety shower and
eyewash located within 10 seconds of the
area you are working, so keep that in mind
when planning work,.
You should prepare emergency exits and always ensure that they are available you should always do the following:
-Aisles need to remain clear so that
there is a clear path of egress to
emergency exits.
-Do not wedge or block doors in the
event of a fire.
-Make sure you are familiar with your
building’s evacuation plan and know
where exits are located and learn all
of the escape routes from your lab
area.
Now let us take into consideration the Classes of Fire
Types of Fires
Not all fires are the same. Different fuels create different fires and require different types of fire extinguishing agents.
Class A
Class A fires are fires in ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, trash, and plastics.
Class B
Class B fires are fires in flammable liquids such as gasoline, petroleum oil and paint. Class B fires also include flammable gases such as propane and butane. Class B fires do not include fires involving cooking oils and grease.
Class C
Class C fires are fires involving energized electical equipment such as motors, transformers, and appliances. Remove the power and the Class C fire becomes one of the other classes of fire.
Class D
Class D fires are fires in combustible metals such as potassium, sodium, aluminum, and magnesium
Class K
Class K fires are fires in cooking oils and greases such as animals fats and vegetable fats.
Now let us study the types of Fire extinguishers which can fight the classes of fire incase of an outbreak
Types of Fire Extinguishers
-Water and Foam
Water and Foam fire extinguishers extinguish the fire by taking away the heat element of the fire triangle. Foam agents also separate the oxygen element from the other elements.
Water extinguishers are for Class A fires only - they should not be used on Class B or C fires. The discharge stream could spread the flammable liquid in a Class B fire or could create a shock hazard on a Class C fire
-Carbon Dioxide
Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers extinguish fire by taking away the oxygen element of the fire triangle and also be removing the heat with a very cold discharge.
Carbon dioxide can be used on Class B & C fires. They are usually ineffective on Class A fires.
-Dry Chemical
Dry Chemical fire extinguishers extinguish the fire primarily by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle.
Today's most widely used type of fire extinguisher is the multipurpose dry chemical that is effective on Class A, B, and C fires. This agent also works by creating a barrier between the oxygen element and the fuel element on Class A fires.
Ordinary dry chemical is for Class B & C fires only. It is important to use the correct extinguisher for the type of fuel! Using the incorrect agent can allow the fire to re-ignite after apparently being extinguished succesfully.
-Wet Chemical
Wet Chemical is a new agent that extinguishes the fire by removing the heat of the fire triangle and prevents re-ignition by creating a barrier between the oxygen and fuel elements.
Wet chemical of Class K extinguishers were developed for modern, high efficiency deep fat fryers in commercial cooking operations. Some may also be used on Class A fires in commercial kitchens.
-Clean Agent
Halogenated or Clean Agent extinguishers include the halon agents as well as the newer and less ozone depleting halocarbon agents. They extinguish the fire by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle.
Clean agent extinguishers are primarily for Class B & C fires. Some larger clean agent extinguishers can be used on Class A, B, and C fires.
-Dry Powder
Dry Powder extinguishers are similar to dry chemical except that they extinguish the fire by separating the fuel from the oxygen element or by removing the heat element of the fire triangle.
However, dry powder extinguishers are for Class D or combustible metal fires, only. They are ineffective on all other classes of fires.
-Water Mist
Water Mist extinguishers are a recent development that extinguish the fire by taking away the heat element of the fire triangle. They are an alternative to the clean agent extinguishers where contamination is a concern.
Water mist extinguishers are primarily for Class A fires, although they are safe for use on Class C fires as well.
-Cartridge Operated Dry Chemical
Cartridge Operated Dry Chemical fire extinguishers extinguish the fire primarily by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle.
Like the stored pressure dry chemical extinguishers, the multipurpose dry chemical is effective on Class A, B, and C fires. This agent also works by creating a barrier between the oxygen element and the fuel element on Class A fires.
Ordinary dry chemical is for Class B & C fires only. It is important to use the correct extinguisher for the type of fuel! Using the incorrect agent can allow the fire to re-ignite after apparently being extinguished successfully.
In case of a fire outbreak remember to do the following:
Remember (AAA)
Remember (AAA)
ACTIVATE the building alarm system or notify the fire department by calling 911. Or, have someone else do this for you.
ASSIST any persons in immediate danger, or those incapable on their own, to exit the building, without risk to yourself.
ATTEMPT to extinguish the fire only after these two are completed.
BUT TAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING!
Only fight a fire if:
- The fire is small and contained
- You are safe from toxic smoke
- You have a means of escape
- Your instincts tell you it's OK
In using a Fire extinguisher it is important to know the locations and the types of extinguishers in your workplace prior to actually using one.
Fire extinguishers can be heavy, so it's a good idea to practice picking up and holding an extinguisher to get an idea of the weight and feel.
Take time to read the operating instructions and warnings found on the fire extinguisher label. Not all fire extinguishers look alike.
Practice releasing the discharge hose or horn and aiming it at the base of an imagined fire. Do not pull the pin or squeeze the lever. This will break the extinguisher seal and cause it to lose pressure.
When it is time to use the extinguisher on a fire, just remember PASS!
Pull the pin.
Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire from the recommended safe distance.
Squeeze the operating lever to discharge the fire extinguishing agent.
Starting at the recommended distance, Sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side until the fire is out. Move forward or around the fire area as the fire diminishes. Watch the area in case of re-ignition.
With that let us now close the topic and end it with a quote
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