Laboratory Evacuation and Fires

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Laboratory Evacuation

Laboratories must be evacuated in the event of a utility failure; such as loss of power or ventilation, a fire, or major spill. Evacuating the laboratory prevents exposures to hazardous vapors, fumes, or particulates that may be generated during these events and clears the area for necessary emergency response actions.

  1. Notify other laboratory personnel of the need to evacuate the laboratory.
  2. If conditions permit, secure items, turn off laboratory equipment, close the sash on the fume hood, close and turn off Bunsen burners or other sources of open flame.
  3. Leave the laboratory and close the door.
  4. Activate the Building Fire Alarm using manual pull station
  5. Call 911 and be prepared to give the exact location of the fire, including campus, building address, building name, and cause of the fire if cause is known. Building address and campus name are located on emergency exit route signs.
  6. DO NOT use the elevators
  7. Assist individuals with disabilities and those who appear to need direction.
  8. Evacuate the building as quickly as possible, using the primary or alternate exit routes. Exit route signs are posted in conspicuous locations throughout university buildings. Alternate exit routes have been identified in case the primary evacuation route is obstructed by a hazard, is occupied by emergency response personnel, or cannot otherwise be used.
  9. Proceed to the designated assembly area and verbally warn others to evacuate the building as you exit the building. Designated assembly areas should be identified in the Emergency Evacuation Guide. They are also identified on evacuation signs.
  10. If you are unable to exit the building due to fire, mobility challenge, or other hazard, notify a person that is exiting the building and notify police by dialing (703) 993-2810. Shout for assistance, dropping an object to the ground from an exterior window, or hang a highly visible object from a window to get the attention of first responders.
  11. Do not re-enter the building until informed it is safe to do so by University Police or the fire department.

Keep in mind these tips as you follow the steps listed above:

  • Feel door handles with the back of your hand before opening a door(s).
  • If the door handle is hot, don’t open it. Go to a phone or window and call for help.
  • If the handle is not hot, open it cautiously.
  • Check for smoke, heat or fire before going out.
  • If smoke is present, stay as low as possible and crawl to an exit door. Keep one shoulder against the wall as you exit the building to avoid becoming lost.
  • Do not use elevators.
  • Knock on closed doors as you leave and yell “FIRE!” on your way out.

For more information on evacuation procedures and what to do in the event of a fire, consult the Emergency Evacuation Guide and the EHS Fire Emergencies page.

Laboratory Fires

Personnel are not required to fight fires and should evacuate the building immediately in the event of a fire. Immediately reporting a fire, suspected fire, or fire alarm is the most important action necessary to mitigate fire damage, prevent injury or death, warn others, and avoid property damage. If you discover or become aware of a fire in your building or work area:

  1. Report the fire by call 911
  2. If you are confident that you can control the fire with a portable fire extinguisher and have been properly trained in the use of portable fire extinguishers, attempt to extinguish the fire if safety permits.
  3. Never allow a fire to come between you and an exit. Assist individuals with disabilities and those who appear to need direction.
  4. Evacuate the building as quickly as possible following laboratory evacuation procedures or alternate exit routes.
  5. Do not reenter the building until told to do so by University Police or fire department.

Keep in mind these tips as you follow the steps listed above:

  • Feel door handles with the back of your hand before opening a door(s).
  • If the door handle is hot, don’t open it. Go to a phone or window and call for help.
  • If the handle is not hot, open it cautiously.
  • Check for smoke, heat or fire before going out.
  • If smoke is present, stay as low as possible and crawl to an exit door. Keep one shoulder against the wall as you exit the building to avoid becoming lost.
  • Do not use elevators.
  • Knock on closed doors as you leave and yell “FIRE!” on your way out.
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