Dartmouth College
Environmental Health and Safety
6216 Clement West/ 646-1762
_____________________________________________________________
Essential Information on Reporting Fires and Hazardous Materials Incidents
In the Event of a Fire
If you see smoke or flames. . .
Contain
the fire by leaving the area and closing all doors behind you.Activate
the nearest fire alarm pull station.Report
the fire by dialing 911 (DMS @ Borwell dial 5555).Evacuate or Extinguish
In most cases, it is best to leave the building using the nearest FIRE EXIT. Use the stairs instead of the elevator. Do not re-enter the building.
A fire extinguisher should only be used when you. . .
• Have been trained.
• Have the proper type for the fire you are fighting.
• Have first contained the fire, activated the building alarm and reported the fire.
Never fight a fire if it has left its source of origin, you are unsure of the type of extinguisher you are using, or you lack a safe way to escape should your efforts fail. If the fire cannot be brought under control within 30 seconds, then abandon your effort, close the door(s) and evacuate.
In the event of a fire or fire alarm, supervisors must be sure that all employees evacuate the building and that individuals who may need help are assisted to safety. Each office should designate a central, specific meeting place outside and well away from the building. Do not re-enter the building until allowed to do so by the Fire Department. Supervisors should periodically review this procedure with their staff.
Fire Safety Reminders Everywhere
Don’t block doors open! Closed doors save lives and property by limiting the movement of smoke and flames. Absolutely never block open corridor doors or doors leading to stairways.
Don’t block passageways. Take the time to ensure good housekeeping.
Get into the habit of closing the door(s) behind you when you will be away for more than just a few minutes.
In locations with sprinklers, there must be at least 18" of clearance surrounding the sprinkler head.
Locate the nearest fire alarm pull station. A pull station will be located near every exit leading out of a building.
Note: If you suspect that a fire may be behind a closed door, do not open the door to investigate. A sudden influx of oxygen can accelerate a fire.
Fire Safety Reminders in the Laboratory
Routinely check the condition of all electrical cords. Unplug, label and place equipment "Out-of-Service" until it can be repaired by a qualified technician.
Check plastic or rubber tubing used to supply gas and replace at the first sign of wear or damage. At the end of the day, the last person to leave should check to ensure that all Bunsen burners are turned off.
Flammable liquids must be stored inside an approved flammable storage cabinet (FM/ UL approved). No more than 20 gallons of flammable liquids may be stored in any one laboratory (inside a cabinet). No more than 2 flammable gas and/or oxygen cylinders per lab. Exceptions approved through EHS.
Common laboratory refrigerators are not approved for flammable liquids. Explosion-safe or explosion-proof refrigerators are required.
Hazardous chemicals must never be left unattended or stored in hallways.
Always use an uncluttered chemical fume hood when working with flammable liquids.
In the Event of a Hazardous Material Incident
The following apply to biological, chemical or radioactive spills. . .
Stay out of the spill!
Do not make an otherwise unfortunate event worse by tracking the material elsewhere or allowing avoidable exposure. If you know or suspect a spill occurred in an area--stay out and contact EHS, immediately. Areas that are designed "closed" by EHS, Safety and Security or the Fire Department require that you stay out of the area or find another route to your destination. If the area is cordoned off for any reason--please stay out.
Isolate the Area and Request Assistance.
Leave the immediate area, close the door(s) and contact EHS (646-1762). In the event of a fire or medical emergency, dial 911.
If Contaminated-- Provide Immediate First Aid
Biological: Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water. Irrigate eyes and mucous membranes with large volumes of water. In laboratories working with human blood or body fluids/ bloodborne pathogens--follow the established first aid procedure outlined on the 3 Emergency Steps To Take In the Event of an Exposure to Human Blood or Body Fluids: Bloodborne Pathogens Poster.
Chemical: Immediately flush the area with large volumes of water. While flushing, remove any clothing that may have been contaminated. Call 911 for medical assistance. For less serious situations, render first aid and report the exposure to EHS.
Radioactive Materials: Follow the procedure that is posted in all areas that use radioisotopes. A copy is also found in the Radiation Safety Handbook.
Always Report the Exposure (Known or Suspected)
Prompt reporting and medical follow-up is essential. In some cases, post-exposure surveillance may be needed. In all cases, these decisions should be made by medical staff. Medical evaluation and follow-up is available through the Occupational Employee Health Department at DHMC. Clinic hours are 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: 650-7018. After hours, report to the DHMC Emergency Room. When in doubt--please report the exposure.