The use of fire extinguishers and response to emergencies in a laboratory

The use of fire extinguishers First, what is the size of the fire? If it is large, you shouldn’t use a fire extinguisher. You need to follow alarm and evacuation procedures. If the fire is very small then don’t waste a fire extinguisher.

If you need to use a fire extinguisher, first find out what is burning If you need to use a fire extinguisher, first find out what is burning. Only then can you select the correct extinguisher for the job. Fire extinguishers are colour coded so that you know what type of substance they contain and that kind of fire to use them on.

There are different types of fire extinguishers, Blue Red with black band Red with white band Red with yellow band

Response to emergencies Corrosive chemicals (erodes body tissue) On skin or clothing: immediately wash with large amounts of cold water from the nearest tap for at least 15 minutes (even if the pain subsides). Speed is essential. In the eyes: wash quickly and thoroughly with cold water using a shower hose if possible, for at least 15 minutes, then seek medical attention. If swallowed: as quickly as possible, drink copious amounts of cold water in order to dilute the chemical by about a hundred fold do not induce vomiting after administering water a suitable neutralising agent may be employed if available -milk of magnesia for an acid (not carbonate or bicarbonate), 1% acetic acid or diluted lemon juice for alkali

Toxic chemicals (poisons) On skin or clothing: wash immediately with copious amounts of cold water, from the nearest tap or hose then wash the affected area thoroughly with warm water and soap then rinse again with cold water do not use organic solvents as these will only aid the penetration of the skin (and the solvent may itself be toxic) remove clothing affected with toxic chemicals as soon as possible. Inhalation: seek expert medical advice immediately.