FIRE SAFETY

PURPOSE: This Sop explains how to protect from electrical and fire hazards occurring in the laboratory.

RESPONSIBILITY - All the technical staff

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

• The assistance of local fire prevention officers in the training of laboratory staff in fire prevention, immediate action in case of fire, and the use of fire-fighting equipment is desirable. Fire warning, instructions and escape routes should be displayed prominently in each room and in corridors and hallways.

COMMON CAUSES OF FIRE

1. Electric overloading.
2. Poor electrical maintenance
3. Equipment left switched on unnecessarily.
4. Overlong gas tubing, Deteriorated gas tubing
5. Naked flames.
6. Misuse of matches.
7. Flammable and explosive chemicals stored in ordinary refrigerators.

PRECAUTIONS TAKEN:

1. ELCB (earth leakage circuit broacher) switch should be installed.
2. Fire proof material should be use for wiring.
3. Water leakage on switch board or wiring must be prevented.
4. If any fault found in electrical instrument main-switch should be off.
5. Never touch electric switch with wet hands.
6. Always wear slippers while at work.
7. Spirit, LPG gas cylinder, stove, cotton etc. should not keep under electric switch board.
8. All the LPG-cylinder in use should be knob off at the time of closing laboratory.
9. LPG-cylinder should be kept up right.
10. All cylinders in store should be sealed.
11. If any leakage found all the doors and windows should be open.
12. No fire to be lit.
13. Spirit-cotton, electric wire, switch board should not kept near gas solve.
14. Service should be done by authorized person only.
15. Inflammable material like spirit, cotton etc. should be kept away from gas-stove and electric switch board.
16. Fire fighting equipment should be placed near the doors of rooms.
17. This equipment should include hoses, buckets (Of water and sand) and the following fire extinguishers.
18. (a)  Water             (b) Carbon dioxide     (c) Dry powder    (d) Foam

1. Arrangement should be made for them to be inspected and maintained.

THINGS TO BE DONE TO FIGHT FIRE:

1. Switch off main switch.
2. Try to prevent fire spreading from safe distance.
3. Remove inflammable material near by (spirit, cotton, etc.)
4. Open all the doors.
5. Use fire extinguishers like water, solid co2 as per availability.

No.	Type	Use for	Do Not Use for
1.	Water	Paper, wood, fabric	Electrical fires, Flammable liquids.
2.	CO2 Powder	Flammable liquids, gases, electrical fires.	Paper
3.	Dry Powder	Flammable liquids, gases, electrical firs.
4.	Foam	Flammable liquids.	Electrical fires