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Tips to get your lab fire code compliant 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.