Extinguishing Fires

TM 5-6640-213-14

Report any deficiency immediately.

Maintain proper ventilation of the laboratory and

storerooms to prevent accumulation of flammable

vapors. Make sure that protective clothing is used

at all times.

(4) Extinguishing Fires. A detailed discussion of petro-

leum fires and procedure for extinguishing fires is contained in FM

10-69. Any class of fire can start in a petroleum laboratory where

personnel are not familiar with fire prevention. Two persons should

always be in the laboratory in case of fire or injury to one of the

people. The first thing to do in case of a fire involving flammable

products is to notify the fire department. Laboratory personnel

should then do what can be done safely with portable fire extingui-

shers until proper fire-fighting apparatus arrives. General rules

for the use of fire extinguishers are as follows:

(a) Follow the manufacturer's operating instruction.

(b) Become familiar with the types of fire extingui-

shers in the laboratory and the class of fire they are intended for.

depending upon local fire regulations.

(d) Have pressure-type extinguishers tested hydro-

statically every 5 years.

(e) Make frequent inspections to assure that all ex-

tinguishers are in their designated places and are readily accessible,

that they have not been damaged or tampered with, that seals are

intact, and that nozzles are not clogged.

(f) Assure that extinguishers are charged immedi-

ately after use.

(5) Handling Hazardous Materials.

(a) Acids.

Sulfuric acid should not be stored with organic

compounds. It is a strong oxidant and could cause

fire if breakage occurred.

Use pyrex or equivalent glass container when

diluting acids.'

The heat generated when making acid solutions may

break ordinary glassware. Pour the acid into the

water. Never use cracked or broken glassware for

any purpose.

2-42