Download Guide for Lab Compliance with NFPA 45

Tips to get your lab fire code compliant
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Non-rated refrigerators must be labeled that they are not safe for flammable storage.
Equipment must only be used for purposes it was intended.
Extension cords should not substitute for permanent wiring.
In sprinkler equipped buildings nothing may be stored within 18 inches of the ceiling
unless the storage unit is adjacent to the wall.
Chemical fume hoods should have current inspection stickers and sash should be closed
as much as possible.
Hazard signs posted on doors should be current and correct.
It is preferable for labs to maintain an item by item chemical inventory.
Glass chemical bottles should not be stored on the floor.
There should not be unattended hazardous operations.
Cylinders must be secured.
There should only be one cylinder in use and one spare in the lab; all extras should be
stored in a holding area.
There should be no propane or other liquefied flammable gas in the building other than
small cylinders (16 oz) and the very small units temporarily supplied to labs while
building natural gas supplies are being tested or repaired.
Gas cylinders (especially flammable ones) should not be stored near lab exit doors.
No exposed wiring or ungrounded circuits.
All chemical containers should be labeled.
Chemicals should be dated when received and opened.
No lab equipment or chemicals in corridors.
Information obtained from the State Fire Marshall’s Office.
Guide for Lab Compliance with NFPA 45
Compressed gas cylinder unsecured or improperly secured.
All compressed gas cylinders must be secured by a chain or strap to a stationary object. The
chain/strap needs to be tight so that the cylinder cannot move. They must also not be located
directly at the entrance of the lab. The cylinder in the picture below is properly secured.
Container Labeling Issues
The waste container in the picture below is labeled correctly. It has a waste tag attached showing
the chemical contents. All chemical containers waste or not, need to be labeled with the chemical
contents. Waste containers also need the waste tag attached. If a chemical is transferred into
another container, that label needs to be de-faced and the correct contents need to be indicated.
The large container without a tag in the picture below is not within compliance
Fume hood sash open and left unattended or cluttered
Fume hood sashes should be pulled down as much as possible. Objects within the fume hood
should not protrude outward preventing the closing of the fume hood.
Fume hood interior space should not be cluttered with unnecessary items.
Doors propped open.
Doors are not allowed by fire code to be propped open. Wedges or other types of equipment
should not be used to prop open doors from laboratories.
Extension cords used as permanent wiring. Power cords connected in series.
Extension cords and/or power strips are not designed to be used in place of hard wired electrical
circuits. Power strips cannot be used as a continuation or “string” of electrical supply for
equipment.
Excessive Storage of Chemicals
There should not be excessive storage of chemicals, especially flammable chemicals. Flammable
chemicals should be stored in a flammables cabinet. The picture below is an example of an
acceptable flammable storage cabinet for the storage of flammable chemicals.
Clutter/Poor Housekeeping
Labs should be free of clutter. An established walkway should be clear for prompt egress if
necessary. Excessive storage of boxes, supplies, and equipment should be kept to a minimum.
Signs and Labels on Doors
Labels and signs on doors need to be current and accurate. The NFPA diamond shown below is
not used at the University anymore and should not be on doors. Signs that can be used on doors
are Laser signs, Radioactive Material Use signs, BSL2 signs, etc. as long as they are actually
accurate for the hazards in the room. The signs shown below are within compliance.
Missing Ceiling Tiles and Other Penetrations in Ceiling/Wall
Ceiling tiles are required by fire code to remain in place.
The area walls, ceilings, and floors should not have penetrations in them.
Dispensing of Chemicals inside a Building
Chemical dispensing should be limited to small containers as much as practicable.
The dispensing of large volumes of chemicals from drums should be performed out of doors.
Storage in Corridors
Building corridors should be kept clear. Equipment, desks, tables and chairs cannot be placed in
building corridors.
The obstruction of a corridor or egress access hallway is not allowed by fire code.
Storage of Propane and other Similar Liquefied Flammable Gas
These liquefied flammable gases, e.g., Propane should not be stored inside a building other than
small cylinders (14.1 oz.). They can be used inside if necessary for brief periods of time, but then
should be moved outside to a permanent storage location. These cylinders are usually bigger
around and also shorter than normal gas cylinders.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers should be mounted to the wall (4 inches) above the floor for quick use if
necessary. Equipment, lab supplies, or furniture cannot be placed in front of fire extinguishers.
Electrical Panels
Building electrical panels cannot be blocked with equipment, lab supplies or furniture.
Electrical panel doors are required by fire code to be kept shut.
Only authorized and qualified personnel should have access to building electrical panels.
Additional Items
Sprinkler system heads cannot be blocked by storage within the building in any area.
Storage is required by fire code to be kept (18 inches) below a sprinkler head.