Life safety in laboratories is about more than fire extinguishers on the wall or evacuation maps on the door. It’s a framework that integrates building design, chemical management, exit planning, and staff training into a unified system that protects both people and research. For lab managers, the focus should be on preventing laboratory emergencies, not simply reacting to them. This includes designing daily practices that keep hazards visible, controllable, and rarely catastrophic.
Prevention-through-design first
The strongest programs start at the design stage. Eliminating unneeded chemicals, substituting safer alternatives, and isolating higher-risk processes are often the most effective ways to reduce hazards. Engineering controls such as sprinklers, smoke detection tied to building systems, emergency lighting, and outward-swinging exit doors provide additional layers of protection. Administrative tools—policies, training, and signage—play a supporting role, while personal protective equipment (PPE) remains the final line of defense.
Exits as a system
Safe evacuation depends on three linked components: exit access (routes and signage), the exit itself (the door), and exit discharge (the path outside). Each must remain clear, well-lit, and easy to navigate under stress. Blocked hallways, cluttered stairwells, or poorly marked exit paths can turn a manageable incident into a dangerous one. Regular walk-throughs help managers confirm that egress routes function as intended.
Maximum allowable quantities (MAQs)
Chemical inventories are not just about compliance; they directly impact what research can be conducted in a building. MAQs apply across entire fire control areas, often encompassing a whole floor. Even if space is available, a new lab may not be viable if nearby labs have already reached the limit for flammable gases or liquids. An accurate, hazard-tagged inventory system that calculates MAQs is essential for both safety and long-term space planning.
Fire extinguishers and training
Fire extinguishers are an essential tool, but they should never be the centerpiece of a life safety plan. The key is knowing when to use them and when to evacuate instead. If a fire is small, contained, not spreading, and not blocking an exit, a trained person may attempt to extinguish it using the PASS method: pull, aim, squeeze, and sweep. Otherwise, the priority is to sound the alarm and leave the area.
Extinguisher classes and typical uses
- Class A: Ordinary combustibles (paper, wood, cloth, rubber, plastic). Think “A for ash.”
- Class B: Flammable liquids and gases (solvents, alcohols, fuels). Think “B for boil.”
- Class C: Energized electrical equipment (panels, instruments). Think “C for current.”
- Class D: Combustible metals (magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium, and potassium). Requires a specialized agent; ABC extinguishers are not effective.
- Class K: Fires in cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking media. This may include vegetable or animal oils and fats.
Placement matters as much as type. Extinguishers should be positioned along natural exit routes, checked monthly, and serviced annually to ensure their effectiveness. Staff should practice hands-on training with either live units or simulator tools; lectures alone rarely prepare people for a real fire.
Five life safety priorities for lab managers
To strengthen life safety in laboratories, focus on these practical steps:
- Review inventories of flammables, oxidizers, reactives, and pyrophorics; confirm MAQ status and adjust purchasing to prevent legacy stock
- Inspect every egress route for obstructions, poor signage, or inadequate lighting
- Test engineering controls—sprinklers, alarms, and gas detection—on a routine basis with facilities teams
- Update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for high-hazard work, including bonding and grounding for flammable liquid transfers, and require flame-resistant lab coats when appropriate
- Use scenario-based training and extinguisher practice to build confidence in decision-making under stress
The role of the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)
Ultimately, the AHJ—often the fire marshal—has the final say on how codes apply to your facility. Building a collaborative relationship ensures that new labs, equipment changes, or process adjustments align with safety requirements before they become costly problems.
Designing safety into everyday day
Life safety in laboratories is not about responding heroically when something goes wrong—it’s about designing systems that keep emergencies rare, exits accessible, and people prepared to act quickly when needed.
