Scientific laboratories contain different hazards, which is why students and professionals spend so much time learning how to stay safe. If you’re a student or professional looking for a safety refresher, keep reading to learn the most common laboratory fire safety hazards you should know.

Improper Chemical Storage

Many types of chemical substances you find in the lab are flammable, which means they pose extra fire risks to your workspace. Proper chemical storage is a crucial step in handling hazardous chemicals in the lab, especially when it comes to flammable chemicals. Make sure that you label all flammable chemicals and materials and keep them far away from any potential heat sources. When in doubt, always follow the proper storage instructions from your manufacturer or chemical supplier.

Poor Equipment Maintenance

Poor equipment maintenance can also lead to laboratory fires. When equipment malfunctions, it can overheat, causing it to catch fire or ignite nearby materials. Always keep up with your equipment maintenance and repairs to prevent overheating.

A common fire risk when working with any type of electrical equipment is fire stemming from poorly maintained cables. When inspecting the equipment around your lab, always add the cable connection and wiring to your checklist. Additionally, never overcrowd outlets in your workspace or run wires underneath carpeting or floor coverings.

Improper Equipment Use

Many laboratories, both educational and professional varieties, use open flames, hot plates, and other heating devices to conduct experiments. These devices can pose huge fire risks if your technicians use them incorrectly. Combine this with the presence of flammable materials and chemicals, and your laboratory could possess many fire risks at once. This is why training is so important for students and even professional-level technicians and scientists using heating equipment. All personnel working with heating equipment should wear the proper PPE, including protective glasses or face shields and heat-resistant gloves. Protective gear and proper training will help your staff be more aware and work carefully around heat-producing equipment.

Now that you have a refresher on the most common lab fire safety hazards to know, you can use these safety tips to create a secure environment in your lab. Use these tips to train your staff or students and keep up with proper fire safety and maintenance guidelines.

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