What are the fire safety measures in a chemistry laboratory?

I. Preventive Measures

Plan the laboratory layout rationally; store flammable and explosive reagents separately in explosion-proof cabinets, away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and electrical switches; store oxidizing agents and flammable materials separately. Do not stockpile large quantities of alcohol, acetone, or petroleum ether; dispense them only as needed.

Smoking and eating are strictly prohibited in the laboratory. Do not use open flames to heat flammable liquids; prioritize the use of water baths, oil baths, or heating mantles, and avoid direct heating with alcohol lamps whenever possible. Clear combustible materials—such as paper and rags—from the vicinity of heating devices.

Inspect electrical equipment regularly; ensure wiring is not aged or damaged, and do not overload plugs or sockets. Use explosion-proof electrical equipment in areas where organic solvents volatilize to prevent electrical sparks from igniting vapors.

Strictly adhere to operational procedures; do not seal reflux or distillation apparatuses (to prevent overheating, material surges, or fires), and ensure constant supervision for experiments involving highly exothermic reactions.

II. Daily Management Requirements

Collect waste liquids by category; store flammable waste liquids separately in sealed containers and arrange for regular disposal—do not pour them into drains. Place waste filter paper and cotton waste contaminated with organic solvents in designated flame-retardant bins; do not allow them to accumulate.

Before leaving the laboratory, disconnect power to heating equipment, shut off gas cylinders and fume hoods, and check the arrangement of reagents.

Keep ventilation systems running to lower the concentration of flammable vapors and prevent accumulation that could reach explosive limits.

III. Fire Safety Equipment

Equip the lab with appropriate fire extinguishers: use dry powder or carbon dioxide extinguishers for organic solvent fires; do not use water to extinguish organic solvent fires.

Provide fire blankets to smother fires involving clothing; provide sand to extinguish small-scale metal powder fires.

Install smoke alarms and plan escape routes; place fire extinguishers in conspicuous, easily accessible locations and regularly check their functionality.

IV. Response to Fire

Minor fire incidents: Immediately cut off power and gas supplies, remove nearby combustible materials, and extinguish the fire using a fire extinguisher or sand. If the fire intensifies: Evacuate personnel immediately, close laboratory doors and windows to cut off the air supply, and call the fire department; do not rush blindly into the fire.

If clothing catches fire: Drop to the ground and roll, or use a fire blanket to extinguish the flames; do not run, as this fans the fire; seek medical attention promptly.

V. Fire Safety for Gas Cylinders and Special Substances

Keep cylinders containing flammable gases (such as hydrogen and acetylene) away from cylinders containing oxidizing agents; ensure they are securely anchored and kept away from high-temperature sources; regularly inspect valves and pipelines for leaks to prevent gas escape.

Isolate water-reactive substances—such as metallic sodium, potassium, and lithium—from water and humid air; if these substances catch fire, extinguish them only with dry sand or earth; the use of water or foam fire extinguishers is strictly prohibited.