12.0 Emergency Equipment
12.1 General
12.1.1 Emergency Equipment is located (specify location, and include a drawing identifying equipment location or map as an appendix).
12.1.2 Each laboratory employee shall be familiar with the location, application, and correct ways to operate the following equipment.
- Fire extinguishers
- Fire alarms
- Fire doors
- Smoke detectors
- Safety showers
- Eye wash stations
- First aid kits
- Flammable storage cabinets
- Emergency shut-off on equipment
- Location of emergency telephone numbers and telephones
12.2 Safety Showers and Eyewashes
12.2.1 Safety showers and eyewashes should be within the work area for immediate emergency use.
12.2.2 Safety showers and eyewashes should be plumbed, water should be potable, between 60- 95 degrees F., and provide at least 15 minutes of flushing.
12.2.3 ANSI Z358.1 (latest issue) provides design and performance requirements.
12.2.4 Inspections
- Daily Access to the eyewash should be checked at the beginning of each shift.
- Monthly Adequate eyewash and shower (if applicable) flow should be observed and documented by operating the device. Inspection sheets are available from EHS and should be posted near the eyewash and/or shower. An employee should be assigned this task and given safety shower test equipment.
12.3 Fire Extinguishers
12.3.1 It is the responsibility of the EHS Department to oversee, and Facilities Management Life Safety Shop to select, maintain, and properly locate the fire extinguisher(s) in each laboratory.
12.3.2 Fire extinguishers should be provided within 30 feet of travel and located along normal paths of travel.
12.3.3 Access must be maintained and the location should be conspicuously marked in an appropriate manner.
12.3.4 The fire extinguisher type and size must be selected for the appropriate hazards.
12.3.5 Each laboratory is responsible to notify the chemical hygiene officer and EHS if changes within the laboratory require movement of the extinguisher or the need for a different type of fire extinguisher or if extinguisher is discharged or otherwise needs service.
12.3.6 The following items shall be included in fire extinguisher inspections conducted by the Facilities Management Life Safety Shop.
- Monthly Inspections (conducted by CHO):
- Extinguisher(s) are in designated locations.
- Clear unobstructed access is maintained
- The pin should be in place and attached with an unbroken wire.
- The indicator should be on full.
- There should be no indication of physical damage.
- Document these inspections.
12.4 Fire Alarms
12.4.1 Fire protection is the responsibility of EHS.
12.4.2 EHS along with the Facilities Management, Life Safety Shop shall ensure that the following items are covered:
Periodic Inspections (semi-annual)
- Fire alarms should be conspicuously marked.
- Fire alarms should be activated to ensure proper operation.
- Document Inspections.
12.5 Smoke or Heat Detectors
12.5.1 Smoke detectors and heat detectors should be installed and selected for the appropriate hazards per building codes, fire codes and fire insurer's requirements.
12.5.2 Periodic Inspections by the Facilities Management, Life Safety Shop, shall be conducted according to applicable regulations (once per year).
12.5.2.1 The detection system should be tested to assure proper working order per manufacturer's and/ or fire insurer's instructions.
12.6 First Aid Kits
12.6.1 First aid kits should be available and maintained for treatment of minor injuries or for short-term emergency treatment before getting medical assistance. Refill as necessary.
12.6.2 Inspect periodically (Specify frequency).
12.6.3 Inventory should be adequately maintained.
12.7 Fire Doors
12.7.1 Fire doors should be provided as required per building codes, fire codes, and fire insurer's requirements.
12.7.2 Horizontal or vertical fire doors shall be checked annually to insure proper operation (contact FM).
12.7.3 Fire doors must not be blocked open, and must be able to close properly.
12.7.4 Fire doors with heat activated closures should be tested to assure proper working order.
12.7.5 Some fire doors have asbestos inside them. Do not damage or penetrate the fire doors.
12.8 Fire Suppression Systems
12.8.1 The fire suppression system must be selected based on the hazards.
12.8.2 Periodic Inspections shall be conducted by Facilities Management, Life Safety Shop according to specific regulations.
- All system components must be checked for physical condition.
- The system should be activated and checked as appropriate for the type of system.
- The inspections should be documented.
12.9 Emergency Lighting
12.9.1 Emergency lighting must be adequate to provide lighting for egress during an emergency situation or power failure.
12.9.2 Periodic Inspections (Will be performed by Facilities Management, Life Safety Shop)
- Emergency lighting must be activated to assure it is operational.
- Document inspections.