Fire may be caused by flammable liquids, electrical hazards, smoking, hot surfaces, poor housekeeping, and arson. Precautions must be taken to help prevent fire to reduce risks to life and property.

Flammable liquids

1. Store flammable liquids only in approved safety cans or storage cabinets. Label the containers and keep them in areas that are well ventilated, away from any heat sources.
2. Clean up spills immediately.
3. Keep flammable liquids away from flames and sources of ignition (such as strikers and in-use electrical outlets). Never use a striker or light a match near flammable liquids.

Electrical Fire Hazards

1. Check equipment, extension cords and plugs for worn spots and exposed wires.
2. Don't try to use broken equipment, report them to the lab instructor.

Smoking

1. Smoking is not allowed anywhere inside the Science Building.
2. Smoking materials, like other personal effects, must be left outside the lab during lab classes.

Hot Surfaces

1. Keep flammable and combustible materials away from hot plate surfaces.
2. Set hot glass items on non-combustible surfaces.
3. Turn off and unplug equipment such as melting point apparatus and hot plates when your lab class is over.

Housekeeping

1. Do not prop lab doors open -- they are fire doors.
2. Report broken fire doors or exits that are blocked or locked.
3. Keep corridors, exits and stairways clear.
4. Maintain a clean working area.
5. .Inspect fire fighting equipment regularly (this is done by Physical Plant).

Report suspicious persons to the lab instructor, or Campus Security.

FIRE ALARM PROCEDURES

1. Remain calm.
2. Vacate area and close doors.
3. If time allows shut down electrical and laboratory apparatus.
4. Activate the nearest wall mounted fire alarm station (located in the hallway next to the outside exits)..
5. Evacuate the building (do not use elevator).
6. If there is smoke, crawl low under it.
7. Feel any door before opening it. If it is hot, do not open it.
8. If trapped, close doors and seal cracks and vents. If a phone is available call the fire department and let them know that a room is occupied. Hang something out of the window to attract attention.
9. Obey directions of your lab instructor and other staff.
10. Tell Campus Security or the Fire Department about any one suspected to still be in the building after a general evacuation.
11. All persons not involved in fighting the fire must remain at least across the street from the building. Seek shelter in other buildings during inclement weather. DO NOT scatter until your lab instructor has accounted for you, and knows you're out of the building.
12. Do not re-enter the building until authorized by your lab instructor, Campus Security or the Fire Department.

Persons with Disabilities

1. Escort a person with a disability to the nearest stairwell landing. DO NOT use the elevator!
2. No attempt should be made to move the person further, unless there is immediate danger. The stairwells in the Science Building are enclosed by fire walls.
3. Have some one remain with the disabled person.
4. Advise the Fire Department or Campus Security of the disabled person's location.

Fire Extinguishers

1. Quickly size up the situation, and stay calm. Most fire extinguishers only work for 30-40 seconds.
2. Fire extinguishers are located in each laboratory and in hose cabinets located in the hallways.
3. Get everyone out, pull fire alarm. If fire is still small, FIGHT IT.
4. Keep near the door - so you have an escape.
5. Stay low - out of heat and smoke.
6. Select the proper fire extinguisher for the job.
7. Use the PASS technique with the appropriate fire extinguisher:
• Pull the pin or locking device.
• Aim low, at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the handle.
• Sweep the agent slowly and evenly at the base of the fire.
8. Stay outside small rooms - shoot stream in.
9. Ventilate only after fire is out.
10. Have the Fire Department check to make sure the fire is out.

Demonstration of the PASS Technique
(Animation by the U. of Waterloo -- Click on "Reload" to repeat the animation.)

Servicing:

Persons who use Campus fire extinguishers, or notice that an extinguisher has been used or tampered with should notify Physical Plant (x3254) immediately.

Training sessions on the use and handling of fire extinguishers are encouraged and can be arranged through the Chemical Hygiene Officer (x4510).

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO EXTINGUISH A FIRE IF YOU CANNOT DO IT SAFELY.

USING FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Which Extinguisher Should Be Used:

• Be familiar with what type of extinguisher is on hand.
• Do not use a solely class A extinguisher on a class B, C, or D fire.
• Multipurpose Dry Chemical extinguishers are recommended.
• Numerical ratings are also issued for class A(1-40), and B(1-640) fire extinguishers, the higher the number, the larger the fire that can be extinguished. Extinguishers with higher numbers are usually heavier.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO EXTINGUISH A FIRE IF YOU CANNOT DO IT SAFELY.

Back to Lab Safety Information Page

Thanks to the University of Waterloo for some of the associated graphics.