Prevention is the key to keeping your workplace free from fires.

Fire Prevention

• All fire-fighting equipment shall be conspicuously located, accessible, inspected periodically and maintained in operating condition. Submit a work order to Facilities Management at http://isd.lonestar.edu/home.htmlfor service on all fire related equipment.
• All employees must know the location of fire pull stations in their work area(s) and should have knowledge of its use and application.
• Identify the major hazards in your workplace and proper handling procedures to be used to minimize the hazards.

Housekeeping

• Keep your work area free from clutter and buildup of trash and debris.
• Empty trash cans regularly.
• Exits, stairways, walkways, electrical panels and fire-fighting equipment must be kept clear of materials, supplies or trash.
• Keep all equipment and storage 18" below fire sprinkler heads.

Flammable Storage

• Use only approved safety cans for handling or storing flammable liquids.
• Follow proper disposal procedures for flammable liquid waste.
• Use an approved metal can with a lid for temporarily storing oily or solvent soaked rags until properly disposed.
• When using flammable liquids, make sure there are no open flames or sources of ignition in the work area (sparks from welding, etc.)
• Limit lab bench tops to no more than 10 gallons of flammable liquids.
• Limit rooms to 3 flammable liquid storage cabinets and keep them away from exit routes.

Electrical Safety

• Keep all equipment in safe working condition.
• Never use defective tools or equipment with frayed electrical cords.

Fire Extinguisher Use

• Fire extinguishers are located in all LSCS buildings.
• You must be educated in the proper use before attempting to fight a fire.
• Activate the alarm and notify LSCS police BEFORE you attempt to extinguish the fire.
• Never fight a fire alone…evacuate the area quickly and safely.
• If you should elect to use an extinguisher, remember your ABC's:
• Type A: ordinary combustibles - wood, paper, cloth
• Type B: flammable liquids - gasoline, oil, grease
• Type C: electrical - appliances, computers, circuit breakers
• Type D: combustible metals – sodium, magnesium
• Then PASS
• Pull - pull the pin to unlock the lever
• Aim - aim at the base of the fire
• Squeeze - squeeze the lever to discharge the extinguishing agent
• Sweep - sweep from side to side, carefully moving toward the fire until all the flames appear to be extinguished.

Hot Work

• When heat producing equipment is used (welding, cutting and brazing) the work area must be kept clear of all fire hazards.
• Fire extinguishers must be available when using heat producing equipment.
• Fire watch may be necessary.

Fueling Operations

• Never refuel an engine while the engine is running.
• Smoking and any open flames are prohibited in the vicinity of fueling operation.
• When spills occur, the spilled fuel must be completely cleaned up, washed away, or evaporated before restarting the engine.
• Do not transfer gasoline in an open container. Use only an approved safety can.

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