As a rule, UTMB employees are encouraged to implement the RACE acronym in the case of a fire. RACE is defined as the following:

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1 Fire Safety Three elements are necessary to start a fire: heat, fuel and air (oxygen). If a fire is under way, removal of one element will bring the fire under control and make it extinguishable. Fire can result in tragedy. Both flammable and combustible materials are commonplace in most UTMB laboratories. It is for this reason, that all laboratory employees should be aware of the risks in their work spaces and understand how to respond appropriately should a fire occur. Employees who take the time to familiarize themselves with the location of safety devices (i.e., fire extinguishers, fire alarm pull stations, safety showers, etc.) and proper route of egress before an accident occurs, are more likely to respond to an emergency situation in a calm and efficient manner. As a rule, UTMB employees are encouraged to implement the RACE acronym in the case of a fire. RACE is defined as the following: Rescue all individuals from the affected area Alarm, turn in the alarm, activate the alarm pull station, dial and give the following information: Name and title Telephone Extension Location Extent of Fire Confine the smoke and fire from all other areas by closing all doors Extinguish get an extinguisher to put out the fire. If you can t handle the situation, Evacuate, close the door to the fire room NFPA System for Classification of Hazards The NFPA diamond is a symbol used to identify the hazards associated with a given chemical to rescue workers. Frequently this symbol is found on the sides of buildings where chemicals are stored and on chemical containers. Below are shown the various hazards symbolized by the diamond and the numerical code which indicates the severity of the hazard. Class IA & IB flammable liquids have an NFPA Fire Hazard rating of 4. 1

2 Class IC flammable liquids are rated as 3. Combustible liquids are rated as 1, or 2. HEALTH HAZARD FIRE 4 Deadly 3 Extreme Danger 2 Hazardous 1 Slightly Hazardous HAZARD Flash Points: 4 Below 73 F 3 Below 100 F 2 Above 100 F, Not Exceeding 200 F 1 Above 200 F 0 Will not burn SPECIFIC HAZARD REACTIVITY Oxidizer OX 4 May detonate Acid ACID 3 Shock and heat may detonate Alkali ALK 2 Violent chemical change Corrosive CORR 1 Unstable if heated Use NO WATER 0 Stable Radioactive Storage of Flammable and Combustible Liquids Outside of Flammable Storage Cabinets The maximum quantity of Class I Flammable Liquids outside an approved storage cabinet shall not exceed 2 gallons per 100 square feet of laboratory space. The combined maximum quantity of Class I, II and III Flammable Liquids and Combustibles outside an approved storage cabinet shall not exceed 5 gallons per 100 square feet of laboratory space. Chemical containers, not actively being used, should not be stored in the work area of chemical fume hoods. Too much clutter can disrupt air-flow patterns and potentially compromise worker protection. Storage of Flammable Liquids in Refrigerators and Freezers All laboratory refrigerators and freezers must be labeled to indicate whether or not they are suitable for storing flammable liquids. Refrigerators and freezers utilized throughout the University, Hospital, and Medical Center generally fall within the following three categories: 2

3 1. Those designed to store flammable liquids with all electrical equipment that meets Class I, Division I requirements. 2. Those that have been modified by a licensed electrician to meet the Class I, Division I requirements. 3. Those residential-types that cannot be utilized to store flammable liquids, but are used to store other chemicals or laboratory reagents. Those refrigerators and freezers which fall into either category 1 or 2 will require a label which states that the device is approved for flammable storage. Those which fall into category 3 will require a label be affixed which states that the appliance is not approved for flammable storage. To request aid in identifying the category in which an appliance falls, contact EHS. Fire Extinguishers Portable fire extinguishers are located throughout all UTMB facilities according to the type of fire they can extinguish. These devices are to be used to extinguish small or beginning fires. All new employees are provided with this information during new employee orientation. Any employee wishing to operate an extinguisher should contact the EHS, Occupational Safety & Fire Prevention (OS&FP) at Ext Class D Fire Extinguishers These types of fire extinguishers are rarely used in the Medical Center and University. Laboratories using potentially flammable metals should contact OS&FP at Ext for information about getting a Class D extinguisher. Extinguishers for Class D fires must match the type of metal that is burning. Usually a list of metals for which the extinguisher is appropriate is shown on the extinguisher s labeling. Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals recommends the use of Met-L-X (or Met-L-Kyl) extinguishers. All employees should be familiar with the location of extinguishers in his or her work area. In order to operate an extinguisher appropriately, one should implement the PASS acronym which stands for: P Pull the pin A Aim the nozzle at the base of a fire S Squeeze the handle S Sweep the base of the fire 3

4 Fire Drills Fire drills are conducted in all UTMB buildings by EHS, OS&FP on a routine basis. If your laboratory hasn t participated in a complete evacuation drill in the past year, contact OS&FP at Ext to schedule a drill in your area. Site-Specific Fire Plan Each laboratory should develop a site-specific contingency plan in the event of a fire. The completed plan should be placed in an area where it is easily accessible by all laboratory personnel. General Fire Safety Rules Flammable liquids are volatile in nature; that is, they evaporate quickly, emitting vapors. These vapors readily ignite. Most vapors: are invisible, are heavier than air, tend to settle to the lowest level possible, and are difficult to detect. Flammable vapors may flow down elevator shafts or through air ducts to lower floors and create a fire hazard in an area away from the point of origin. Remove unnecessary combustible materials such as paper, boxes and trash from the work area. Store materials at least 18 inches away from or below automatic sprinklers. UTMB has been designated a non-smoking campus. Keep aisles and corridors clear to permit evacuation. Do not use elevators in case of fire. Evacuate via the stairs or assigned evacuation routes. Do not store items in exit corridors. Do not block or chock open corridor doors. Oxygen is an oxidizer. This means that oxygen will support combustion, even though by itself, it is non-flammable. All staff should know the locations of oxygen and gas supply cut off valves. UTMB buildings use standard fire alarm systems that produce an audible tone (horn, bell etc.). All staff members are expected to respond to fire drills in their area and to assist visitors, volunteers, or physicians who may not be accustomed to drills in this area. Personnel in the area of the fire s point of origin must follow the steps outlined in the R.A.C.E. procedures. NOTE : Be alert! If you see potential fire hazards, take steps to eliminate or minimize them. 4

5 Electrical Safety UTMB is committed to the safety of its employees and visitors from hazards such as electrical shock. All personnel must be made aware that the use of electricity in their assigned job introduces potential hazards of burn, shock, explosion, damage to equipment, fire, and power failure with the possibility of injury, disability or death. Electrically powered equipment, such as hot plates, stirrers, vacuum pumps, electrophoresis apparatus, lasers, heating mantles, ultrasonicators, power supplies, and microwave ovens are essential elements of many laboratories. These devices can pose a significant hazard to laboratory workers, particularly when mishandled or not maintained. Many laboratory electrical devices have high voltage or high power requirements, carrying even more risk. Large capacitors found in many laser flash lamps and other systems are capable of storing lethal amounts of electrical energy and pose a serious danger even if the power source has been disconnected. The major hazards associated with electricity are electrical shock and fire. Electrical shock occurs when the body becomes part of the electric circuit, either when an individual comes in contact with both wires of an electrical circuit, one wire of an energized circuit and the ground, or a metallic part that has become energized by contact with an electrical conductor. The severity and effects of an electrical shock depend on a number of factors, such as the pathway through the body, the amount of current, the length of time of the exposure, and whether the skin is wet or dry. Water is a great conductor of electricity, allowing current to flow more easily in wet conditions and through wet skin. The effect of the shock may range from a slight tingle to severe burns to cardiac arrest. The chart below shows the general relationship between the degree of injury and amount of current for a 60-cycle hand-to-foot path of one second's duration of shock. While reading this chart, keep in mind that most electrical circuits can provide, under normal conditions, up to 20,000 milliamperes of current flow 1

6 In Case of Electrical Shock Immediately disconnect or shut off the power source OR free the victim from the source by using a non-conductor. Initiate life saving procedures immediately and continue them until professional medical assistance arrives: IF the heart has stopped, THEN begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately. IF respiration has stopped, THEN begin artificial respiration at once. Call emergency assistance quickly. Inside the hospital complex, call ext Outside the hospital complex call In addition to the electrical shock hazards, sparks from electrical equipment can serve as an ignition source for flammable or explosive vapors or combustible materials. Power Loss Loss of electrical power can create hazardous situations. Flammable or toxic vapors may be released as a chemical warms when a refrigerator or freezer fails. Fume hoods may cease to operate, allowing vapors to be released into the laboratory. If magnetic or mechanical stirrers fail to operate, safe mixing of reagents may be compromised. Preventing Electrical Hazards There are various ways of protecting people from the hazards caused by electricity, including insulation, guarding, grounding, and electrical protective devices. Laboratory workers can significantly reduce electrical hazards by following some basic precautions: Inspect wiring of equipment before each use. Replace damaged or frayed electrical cords immediately. Use safe work practices every time electrical equipment is used. 2

7 Know the location and how to operate shut-off switches and/or circuit breaker panels. Use these devices to shut off equipment in the event of a fire or electrocution. Limit the use of extension cords. Use only for temporary operations and then only for short periods of time. In all other cases, request installation of a new electrical outlet. Multi-plug adapters must have circuit breakers or fuses. Place exposed electrical conductors (such as those sometimes used with electrophoresis devices) behind shields. Minimize the potential for water or chemical spills on or near electrical equipment. Safe Work Practices The following practices may reduce risk of injury or fire when working with electrical equipment: Avoid contact with energized electrical circuits. Disconnect the power source before servicing or repairing electrical equipment. When it is necessary to handle equipment that is plugged in, be sure hands are dry and, when possible, wear nonconductive gloves and shoes with insulated soles. If it is safe to do so, work with only one hand, keeping the other hand at your side or in your pocket, away from all conductive material. This precaution reduces the likelihood of accidents that result in current passing through the chest cavity. Minimize the use of electrical equipment in cold rooms or other areas where condensation is likely. If equipment must be used in such areas, mount the equipment on a wall or vertical panel. If water or a chemical is spilled onto equipment, shut off power at the main switch or circuit breaker and unplug the equipment. If an individual comes in contact with a live electrical conductor, do not touch the equipment, cord or person. Disconnect the power source from the circuit breaker or pull out the plug using a leather belt. 3

8 Altering Building Wiring and Utilities Any modifications to existing electrical service in a laboratory or building must be completed or approved by Facilities Operation and Management (FOAM) personnel or a FOAM approved contractor. All modifications must meet both safety standards and FOAM design requirements. Any unapproved laboratory facilities modifications discovered during laboratory surveys or other activities are reviewed by EHS and FOAM staff to determine whether they meet design specifications. Preventive Measures Know the location of all power plugs and off switches on equipment in your area. Free electrical testing service is provided by Research Technology Support (RTS) at ext RTS can provide; oversight for the day to day electrical safety testing program; consultation services as required; oversight for the establishment of preventative maintenance and electrical safety testing protocols; and oversight for test procedures, and calibrations procedures. Do not use coffee makers, radios, lamps or other personal electrical appliances unless they have Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approval. Do not clip or tape electric cords and telephone wires to desks. If cords must cross the floor, use plastic channels designated for this purpose if possible. If channels are not available, tape the cord to the floor. Never use cheater adapters or two-wire AC outlets. Use only electrical equipment that has a three-wire plug and is properly grounded. The quality of ground in the room can be checked by Facilities Operations and Management. Have all electrical devices with motors and transformers inspected yearly. Do not use extension cords, except in special cases and only with approval from RTS. Request additional electrical outlet(s) installation or move equipment closer to the existing outlet. 4

9 Personal Safety Do not work on live equipment. Do not hold energized electrical appliances with wet hands or when wearing wet shoes. Body moisture or perspiration lowers resistance, which permits a greater current flow. Keep body resistance high by keeping hands and feet dry. Shoes should be worn during working hours (rubber-soled shoes are preferable). Defective Equipment Never ignore a tingling sensation caused by a piece of equipment. This indicates that the equipment is defective. Turn it off, unplug it, tag it Remove From Service and report it to the appropriate department for repairs: Research Technology Support (RTS) Facilities Operations and Management (for building equipment and power) - ext Any device or instrument under a private maintenance contract (i.e. copy machines) should be reported directly to the company that services the contract. Chemical fume hoods not working properly need to be reported the FOAM at x Biological Safety Cabinet not working properly are to be reported to EHS B&C at x Guidelines for New Equipment Before obtaining any electrical equipment, the vendor of the equipment must assure UTMB that it meets all existing federal, state and university electrical standards. Consult RTS or FOAM before purchasing, borrowing, leasing or accepting as a donation any piece of electrical equipment. RTS or FOAM can assist you in determining that it meets the institution s safety policy. 5

10 Portable Power tool Checklist Do use and store tools in a dry place; use only tools that are grounded or double-insulated; keep tools cleaned, oiled and repaired; be alert for wear, shorting, poor connections, and defects; disconnect power cords by pulling on the plug, not the cord; use grounded, undamaged extension cords, of suitable gauge wire to handle current loads; examine power cords frequently for worn insulation and evidence of deterioration at plugs and connections. Whenever there is doubt about the safety of a power cord, have the electrical continuity of the conductors in the cord tested; protect cords from heat, chemicals and oil; Do not coil cords loosely. work with any electrical equipment in wet places. If electrical tools or devices must be used in damp or wet areas on a routine basis, a ground fault interrupter should be installed; repair a broken cord (get it replaced!) work with any electrical apparatus excessively contaminated with dust, lint, or dirt. Routine Inspection Preventive Maintenance The operators of all electrical devices are expected to perform visual and operational checks to ensure good mechanical condition and proper operation each time the device is used. Equipment used in the hospital, clinics and supporting laboratories shall receive preventive maintenance with supporting documentation. The manufacturer s recommendations should always be followed. 6