Lab InspectionsState Fire Marshal’s Office

Applicable Codes

1999 BOCA Business Occupancy

1999 BOCA Fire Prevention Code 2000 NFPA 101, Life Safety Code

Existing Business Occupancy

Applicable Codes

2000 NFPA 45, Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals

2000 NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code

Material Identification

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) must be maintained for each chemical stored in the lab.

Laboratories and storage areas must be properly identified with warnings for emergency response personnel.

Material Identification Content identification

must be provided on containers of hazardous materials.

Materials that become hazardous during storage must be marked with the date when first opened. Example: Picric Acid

Disposal and Storage Hazardous materials need to be properly

disposed of when they reach their expiration date. There should be someone trained in the proper

disposal of hazardous materials and someone trained to respond to an accident involving hazardous materials.

Flammable and combustible liquids must be stored in rooms designed in accordance with NFPA 30 for inside storage rooms, or in Hazardous Materials Storage Lockers.

Storage Flammable liquids cabinets must not be

overloaded. Not more than a total of 120 gallons of flammable and

combustible liquids (NFPA 30, 4.3.1). Flammable liquids cabinets must remain closed

when not in use. Flammable liquids cabinets should have the bung

in or be vented directly to the outside. Incompatible materials must be stored separately.

Ventilation Perchloric Acid requires a special ventilation system. A measuring device for airflow must be provided on

each lab hood. Lab hood systems must be identified and provided

with an inspection tag containing: Inspection interval Last inspection date Average face velocity Location of fan that serves hood Inspector’s name

Compressed and Liquefied Gases Compressed gas cylinders must be secured from

tipping over by holders designed for such service. Compressed gas cylinders must be protected

against physical damage and tampering. Cylinders shall be attached to an instrument for

use by means of a regulator. Cylinders not “in use” shall not be stored in the

laboratory.

Compressed and Liquefied Gases Manual shutoff valves must be provided

near each point of use. Cryogenic fluid systems must be designed

to prevent contact of the fluid with organic materials.

Liquid oxygen systems must be designed to prevent contact of the oxygen with organic materials.

Electrical

Extension cords must not be used in place of permanent wiring.

Electrical receptacles must be located so that they are not subject to liquid spills.

Electric motors used with flammable and combustible liquids must be suitable for Class I Division II locations.

Emergency Procedures Plans for laboratory emergencies must be

developed, which include: Alarm activation Evacuation and building re-entry procedures Equipment shutdown procedures or applicable emergency

operations Nonfire hazards

Fire alarm notification appliances must have a distinctive alert tone that cannot be confused with other alarms (i.e. gas alarms).

Fire Extinguishers Fire extinguishers for the type of hazard

must be located inside the laboratory area. Class A – Ordinary Combustibles Class B - Flammable and Combustible Liquids Class C – Electrical Class D – Flammable Metals

Personnel should be trained in the use of fire extinguishers.