Fire Prevention and Control

Open flames, heating elements, and spark gaps (light switches, electric motors, friction and static electricity) constitute the principal ignition sources in the laboratory. Do not leave bunsen burners unattended, as the flame is often difficult to see.
Keep electrical equipment in good working order and do not overload powerpoints.

Regulations & standards

The storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids in all areas of SASVRC is governed by the Building (Flammable & Combustible Liquids) Regulations 1994 which is administered by the relevant local authority (In the case of Herston, this is the Brisbane City Council). These regulations require compliance with the Australian standard AS 1940-1993 Safe storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids. This standard sets out the storage requirements for minor quantities and storage in cabinets, package stores and tanks. There are additional regulations and standards that apply to specific activities or areas (eg AS 2982 Laboratory construction and AS 2243 Laboratory safety).

Minor quantities of flammable and combustible liquids may be stored on open shelves or work benches. However, as storage in an enclosed space provides a high level of protection in the event of fire, it is recommended that the quantities stored in the open be kept to a minimum.
Flammable and combustible liquids should not be stored on the floor.
The following minor quantities limits are provided for guidance within SASVRC:
Offices 5 litres / floor
Laboratories 10 litres / 50 m2 floor area
Where flammable liquids are kept on benches or shelves or in cupboards in quantities less than the limits set for minor quantities, the Australian standard AS 1940 requires the following minimum safe working procedures to be followed:

Flammable and combustible liquids must be stored away from ignition sources (eg flames, electrical equipment, grinding and cutting operations) and excessively hot locations.
All containers must be kept closed when not in use (including containers for waste liquids).
When carrying containers of flammable and combustible liquids care must be taken to minimise the possibility of spillage and fire. Properly designed carriers must be used for 'Winchester' sized containers (2 to 4 litres) - do not carry these Winchesters by the neck.
Any action to open or decant from a container of flammable liquid must be carried out in a well ventilated area and sufficiently distant from any potential ignition source so as to ensure safety having due regard to the quantity being handled.
Combustible wastes or residues must not be kept or left in areas where flammable or combustible liquids are stored or decanted.
Materials that might interact dangerously with flammable and combustible liquids must be stored separately from them. In particular oxidising agents must be stored separately.
All people handling flammable and combustible liquids must be familiar with their hazardous properties and the necessary safety procedures for handling them.
Any spillage must be cleaned up immediately.
Special safety cans for flammable liquids may be purchased for areas where there is a high level of use.
Flammable and combustible liquids must not be stored or used where they may jeopardise escape from a room or building in the event of a fire.
Where the quantities of flammable liquids stored is greater than 100 litres. A fire extinguisher appropriate to class B fires must be provided (dry chemical or carbon dioxide). A warning sign must be displayed.

Larger quantities

Where the quantities stored exceed the minor quantities limits, flammable and combustible liquids must be stored in an approved flammable liquids cabinet. There is a flammable liquids cabinet on each of the three floors of SASVRC. The maximum quantity that may be stored in a flammable liquids cabinet is 250 litres.

These guidelines are intended to establish the procedures to be adopted in the event of any emergency which may require partial or total evacuation of the SASVRC building. Evacuation from buildings may be necessary as the result of fire, explosion, chemical leak, structural fault, equipment failure or bomb threat. These guidelines have been prepared principally for fire emergencies, but they are suitable for use in other emergencies.
In order to avoid delay, confusion and possible injury in the event of an emergency, it is essential that evacuation procedures and organisational arrangements are well understood and regularly practised by SASVRC staff. This is a requirement of the Queensland Fire Service Act.
It is compulsory for all hospital staff to attend fire training lectures and demonstrations each year. The times for these lectures can be obtained from the SASVRC Administrative Officer.

a) Emergency Organisation

The system of coordination for Emergency Evacuation Procedures is outlined below. Each floor has a Floor Warden, a Fire Warden and a Deputy Warden. These positions are coordinated by the Centre Manager, and each person must participate in specific training for Floor Wardens.

The meeting place after evacuation is the open area outside of level 4,

on the other side of the road from the SASVRC building.

In case of fire,

DO NOT USE LIFTS.

Familiarize themselves with the floor or area for which they have responsibility, especially potential problem areas
Identify means of egress and alternative means of escape
Identify location of push button alarm points and fire fighting or emergency equipment
Make and display a list of all staff working on that floor
Ensure that staff are conversant with these Emergency Evacuation Procedures and the correct use of fire fighting and emergency equipment
Carry out monthly inspections of their area and remove hazards or advise the Centre Manager of the hazards
Ensure that fire fighting and emergency equipment is in its correct position and ready for use
Ensure that passageways and exits are kept clear at all time

Until the arrival of the Fire Safety and Security Officer, the Floor Warden will :

Deputy Wardens should be appointed for each of the three floors SASVRC. These Wardens will fill in for the other wardens if they are absent in case of emergency.