Fire Safety Controls for Laboratories

Overview

In order to limit the possibility of a fire, or the potential impacts if one does occur, laboratories and buildings are constructed in accordance with international codes and standards that are based on real world experiences.

Architects, engineers, code officials, and safety professionals ensure that these regulations and guidance are applied and maintained appropriately beginning with planning & construction and continuing throughout the building’s existence.

All building occupants must understand how these designs and controls were intended to function so that they can be used to their fullest advantage in providing protection without diminishing the capabilities.

Everyone at FSU should take in-person Fire Safety Training. The course is available online and can also be scheduled in person per request for groups.

This online module is intended to supplement that training with information related to systems specifically associated with laboratory environments.

Primary Fire Protection Codes for Florida

The ultimate decision maker defined in these codes is the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The Florida State Fire Marshal (SFM) is the AHJ for FSU.

The AHJ is responsible for:

interpreting codes, imposing additional requirements, or approving the use of alternative equivalent protection measures.
performing plans reviews.
performing initial and routine compliance inspections.

Fire Safety at FSU

The EH&S Fire Safety section:

inspects plans and facilities.
provides education.
performs drills.
maintains fire systems and extinguishers.
responds to all fire alarms.
liaison with SFM, local Fire and EMS professionals.

Important Construction Terms
(from NFPA-30 and 45 Definitions)

Fire Area – an area in a building separated from other areas by construction (walls, doors, penetrations, etc.) having a fire resistance rating of at least one hour.

Laboratory Unit – an enclosed space used for experiments or tests. This includes offices, laboratories, corridors and other contiguous spaces maintained for use by laboratory personnel. Each unit can contain one or more laboratory work areas, or the entire building may be designated as one unit.

Laboratory Work Area – a room or space for testing, analysis, research, instruction, or similar activities that involve the use of chemicals.

Common Fire Area Construction Features

Fire rated walls span the entire length from the floor below to the floor above a room, to provide fire and/or smoke containment. These walls usually have their ratings clearly stenciled near the top of the wall.

Penetrations through walls are sealed with an approved fire-stop material, such as a special caulk or putty compound.

Fire rated doors and windows are labeled with certification stickers (look inside the frame for rating certifications).

Typical FSU Laboratory Units

The typical laboratory unit:

includes the entire wing or floor, and
includes all contiguous spaces within the area, that are not specifically constructed otherwise

NFPA-45 limits storage of chemicals within the designated laboratory unit based on Occupancy and Class by considering:

total square footage of the unit
flammable and combustible ratings of the chemicals that will be used in the area
installed/utilized engineering controls such as fire suppression or fire rated storage lockers

FSU research building are commonly considered to be for “Business Occupancy” with “Class D” laboratories.

Preserving Protection Zone Functionality

For safety and security, all laboratory doors should be kept closed whenever they are not actively being used for passage.

If doors to laboratory areas or storage cabinets must temporarily remain open:

they should be self-closing and held open by an approved fusible link or magnetic device controlled by the fire alarm system.
if automatic closing methods are not feasible, these doors can be attended by a knowledgeable person that will be able to quickly close them in the event of a fire.

Flammable/Combustible Liquids

Definitions, summarized from NFPA-30(2003):

Flash Point – the minimum temperature at which sufficient vapor is produced near the surface of a liquid to form an ignitable mixture in air, using specified equipment and protocols
Flammable Liquids

Class IA: flash point < 73°F, boiling point < 100°F
Class IB: flash point < 73°F, boiling point ≥ 100°F
Class IC: 73°F ≤ flash point < 100°F

Combustible Liquids

Class II: 100°F < flash point < 140°F
Class IIIA: 140°F ≤ flash point < 200°F
Class IIIB: flash point > 200°F

Special Note: All unstable liquids are treated as Class IA.

Individual Container Size Limits

Each liquid container must be limited to the following maximum quantities (liters), per NFPA:

	Class IA	Class IB	Class IC	Class II	Class III
Glass	0.5	1	5	5	20
Polyethylene (UN 1H1)	5	20	20	450	450
Metal	5	20	20	20	20
Safety Cans	10	20	20	20	20

NFPA also requires that potential spills be limited to 20 liters or 5 gallons, so FSU policy is to limit all laboratory storage containers to this maximum size. Larger containers must be kept in specially constructed storage rooms.

Laboratory Unit Chemical Storage

(Per Fire Code – NFPA 45, 2004)

Maximum Quantity of Class I, II, & IIIA Flammable or Combustible Liquids, or Liquefied Gases, Permitted in a Class D Laboratory Unit
	Excluding Quantities in Approved Storage Cabinets or Safety Cans		Including Quantities in Approved Storage Cabinets or Safety Cans
	Per 100 ft²	Per laboratory unit	Per 100 ft²	Per laboratory unit
Sprinklered Areas	4L	284L	7.5L	570L
Non-sprinklered Area	4L	140L	7.5L	284L

Note: This determination is made during the planning phase of new construction or major renovation projects based on information provided to the design professionals at that time. Florida Building Code requirements, based on international codes, also apply, these have the same aim but are much more complicated and based on smaller “control area” categories.

The laboratory unit must meet additional requirements, and be formally approved by the AHJ for the appropriate higher level classification, before quantities can be increased above these levels.

The only way to ensure compliance with these limits is to have a real time chemical inventory for all spaces within the area.

Compressed Gas Cylinder Storage

No more than one in-use and one spare cylinder should be located at each point of use within the laboratory. All cylinders should be stored securely and capped when not in-use.

Incompatible gases must be separated by a distance of at least 20 feet or a minimum 5 foot high barrier with at least a ½ hour fire resistance rating.

Gases with a hazard rating of 2 (without physical warning properties), 3, 4, or that are pyrophoric, must be kept in continuously ventilated or approved cabinets within the laboratory unit.

Please see the online Compressed Gas Safety training for more information regarding handling and storage of compressed gases.

Housekeeping & Placement of Laboratory Equipment

Clutter and improper storage can:

provide fuel for combustion during a fire.
hamper or prevent your escape during an emergency.
interfere with the pattern of spray from fire sprinklers and greatly reduce their effectiveness.

Alarm Activation

Visual and audible alarms are activated by fire system panels when they receive an input from any of the several different types of sensing devices connected to them.

The main types of devices installed are:

Flow switches
Smoke detectors
Distributed line detectors
Heat Detectors
UV & IR sensors

Never assume an alarm is false, always assume it is real unless you are told otherwise by someone official!

Automated Detection – Flow Switch Activation

When a sprinkler is activated, the resultant flow of water is sensed by a switch within the system supply piping. This switch is connected to the fire system panel which receives this signal and initiates the alarm.

This is the most common alarm method for sprinklered FSU laboratories and buildings.

False alarms are infrequent but may be caused by system water pressure transients, such as from leaks, flushing, or nearby fire hydrant testing.

Automated Detection – Smoke Detectors

These are either ionization or photoelectric type devices with sensors that are continually exposed to either radioactive emissions or light beams used as a reference source. Smoke entering the device diminishes the intensity of this signal and triggers the alarm when a threshold is reached.

These are usually only installed at the Air Handling Unit (AHU) providing supply air to laboratories and buildings. They function to shut down the AHU supply fan to prevent smoke and potentially toxic combustion products from being redistributed through the building.

These devices do not work well within laboratory environments or exhaust ducts because the air flow rates are too high to quickly or reliably detect trace amounts of smoke or other suspended combustion products. They are more ideally suited to alert occupants to the presence of smoldering type fires in relatively still airflow environments.

False alarms are very uncommon from devices installed in properly maintained AHUs or supply ducts.

Automated Detection – Distributed Line Type Detectors

These consist of a long twisted pair of conductive wires separated by a heat sensitive polymer and contained in a protective covering. At a designed temperature (e.g. 135°F), the polymer melts and the twisted wire pairs connect. This connection is sensed by the fire alarm control panel and an alarm is initiated.

In our facilities, this method is commonly used in older laboratory buildings, or areas that were not originally designed with installed sprinklers.

False alarms are infrequent with this type of system as long as they are properly installed and located.

Automated Detection – Heat Detectors

These are either rate-of-rise (ROR) or fixed temperature types.

Fixed Temperature detectors are more common. These utilize an alloy that changes state from a solid to a liquid at a useful operating temperature to provide input to the system.

ROR detectors have two different heat sensitive elements that respond differently to changes in surrounding temperature. Rapid temperature changes on the order of 10°F-15°F can cause activation regardless of the starting ambient temperature.

Automated Detection – Ultraviolet & Infrared Detectors

These come with either wavelength sensor (UV or IR) or as one of several different combinations or configurations.

They detect fires or explosions very quickly, on the order of milliseconds, but the expense and testing/repair considerations limit the use to special fire protection areas (chemical storage buildings, hydrogen fuel stations, and other areas where special suppression agents must be used).

These detectors can be activated by the radiation emitted from arc-welding, legitimate torch or burner use, lightning, lasers, etc. so they must be placed in areas where exposure to these sources can be prevented. Users of these areas must have knowledge of device particulars.

Suppression Systems

Sprinklers

Wet Pipe – the entire system if filled with pressurized water up to the sprinkler head. When heat reaches the head, it cracks the fluid filled bulb opening the head and allowing flow. This flow continues until the supply valve is closed and the system piping above the head gravity drains or the head is plugged or replaced.
Dry Pipe – Very similar to a wet pipe system but the portion of piping that may be exposed to freezing temperatures (in unheated building spaces, parking decks, etc.) is filled with air. When the sprinkler head opens, the air bleeds out of the dry portion allowing the pressurized water normally held behind a check valve to flow to the open head(s).

Inert Agents – such as Halon, SAPPHIRE, or foam systems can be recognized by the different style of dispersion heads and detectors. These are only used in very specialized areas and the entrances are posted identifying the type of agent used.

Manual pull stations will initiate alarms but they will not activate suppression systems in laboratories (except for select special use areas).

Sprinklers

These devices individually actuate when the sprinkler head reaches its rated temperature.

Only the impacted head(s) will discharge.

Avoid storing items within 18 inches of these devices.

Do not hang items from sprinkler heads like clothes hangers or electrical cords.

Suppression Systems

Laboratory personnel should know:

the type of system(s) used for their areas.
the location of the main supply valve for their facility.

Special Note: Only trained fire safety or maintenance personnel should operate system components!

Laboratory personnel should be able to help professional responders find and access these locations after the fire is out to prevent excessive water damage.

Summon Help & Alert Others

Immediately call 9-1-1 to report suspected fires, smoke, or other emergencies.

644-1234 can be used to contact FSUPD directly for non-emergency conditions. Always call from a safe location.

Pull the nearest fire alarm actuator if the alarm has not yet sounded, to alert other building occupants and emergency responders, including FSUPD.

Evacuate When Alarms Sound

Alarm systems are the first line of defense to alert you in the event of a fire but are only effective if you evacuate.

If the fire cannot be dealt with easily, do not put yourself or others in harm’s way, everyone must evacuate the building.

Crawl low in smoke filled rooms to avoid heat and breathing in smoke
Use the closest emergency exit
Do not open doors that are hot to the touch
Do not use elevators

After Evacuation

All evacuees should wait together outside the building at an established rally point, nearby and in a safe upwind location. This makes it easier to determine if anyone may still be in the building that may be in need of rescue.

Ensure that those personnel most knowledgeable of the impacted area(s) or event are available to the professional responders. These personnel should remain in the area, so they can provide helpful information to responders/investigators when it is needed.

Do not re-enter the building until the all clear has been given and the alarm system has been reset.

Protect Evacuation Egress Pathways

Emergency lighting should always be available and maintained.

Avoid storage in hallways and stairwells that may inhibit or restrict access in smoke filled hallways.

Emergency Exit & Fire Door Care

Never block or prop open fire doors.

Do not hang items on automatic closure devices.

Ensure these doors close as you exit, to help minimize the spread of smoke and fire.

If Evacuation is Not Warranted

Only try to fight a fire after:

you have assessed the situation and feel comfortable that it is safe to do so.
proper authorities have been alerted and help has been summoned.
you have ensured that impacted electrical components have been de-energized and gas supplies and other similar sources of fuel or energy have been secured.

To operate a portable fire extinguisher utilize “PASS”

P – pull the ring pin from the handle
A – aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
S – squeeze the lever handles together to release agent
S – sweep the spray slowly across the burning material at the base of the fire

Portable Fire Extinguishers

Know the locations and purposes of all portable fire extinguishers in your area. If you cannot locate them, or feel that additional units may be needed, contact EH&S Fire Safety for assistance (644-6895).

Extinguishers are inspected annually and tested or replaced as warranted by the Fire Safety section. Assistance can also be obtained for help with any special extinguisher needs.

Common Types at FSU

Dry chemical extinguishers should be able to be found in every laboratory or building area.
CO₂, Halon, and other special agent extinguishers may be present for Class D materials (flammable metals) or electronics application but they are not standard equipment for most laboratories.

Local Emergency Response Agencies

FSU Police Department

Will almost always be the first to arrive on scene. They will assume initial control, provide assistance, and help direct other responders to the scene.

Tallahassee Fire Department

Will respond to any fire, hazardous material spill, or medical emergency. They will assume command at the scene for these instances until conditions have been stabilized.

Leon County Emergency Medical Services

Advanced Life Saving capable paramedics will respond to render aid to injured personnel and provide transportation to hospital emergency rooms as warranted.

Emergency Contact and Area Content Information

This information should be posted publicly at all entrances to laboratory areas containing hazards.

It describes the types of hazards present in the space, what the entry requirements are, and whom to contact for more information.

It provides emergency response personnel with more information about potential hazards than standard NFPA-704 diamond postings.

Facility & Laboratory Emergency Contact Information

This contact information can be very useful to emergency responders, it can help to:

Allow responders to contact personnel familiar with specific laboratory operations after hours to avoid risky or delayed responses.
Allow impacted research groups and key department personnel to know that something happened in their area(s) in a timely manner.

This information is not publicly posted, it is only posted within locked fire panels accessible to emergency responders and key facility personnel.

Ensure Safety and Protect Equipment

Ensure that facility electricians are consulted before accessing areas with wetted or damaged electrical equipment. Ensure they clear this equipment before it is re-energized.

When it is safe to enter impacted areas, take steps to protect equipment from any further damage.

Restore Infrastructure and Inspect Equipment

Ensure water removal, dehumidification, and restoration efforts begin immediately. Coordinate this through Facilities (644-2424).

Department Administrators should keep track of time spent and save receipts for repair work done to recover from these events.

Contact EH&S Insurance & Risk (644-6895) as soon as possible to determine if the damage is covered by insurance.

Investigate Contributing Factors

Following any death, serious injury, or major property loss it is common for this to occur at all levels for different purposes:

TFD and/or SFM
FSUPD
Florida Department of Financial Services
EH&S Insurance & Risk and/or Laboratory Safety
Department Chair or Dean

It is important to use lessons learned from these incidents and near misses to lessen the possibility of future recurrences.

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