When there is a lab disruption (fire/earthquake/tornado drill or a real event, whenever possible), students/faculty/researchers should immediately 'make the lab safe'. All containers of flammable solvents go into flammable cabinets or hoods, electrical
equipment being used at lab stations (hot plates, stirrers, heating mantles, etc.) get unplugged. Separate things that were being heated from the heat source – take beakers/flasks/baths off of heat plates, drop heating mantles away from round bottom flasks,
etc.
Ensure that all gas valves are closed. Close the master gas valve in the lab if there is one. BTW- always check the valves before opening the master.
Only when the lab has been 'made safe' will I release students for the drill or event.
I know of an incident in which a hotplate was left on during an evacuation which resulted in a real fire starting while the building was empty.
Our campus is having an earthquake drill this week during my general chemistry laboratory. I'm a transplant to Southern California and, while I know the general principles of dropping down and getting under a desk, etc. I'd like hear if anyone
has specific advice for laboratory students in the event of an earthquake.
Thanks,
-M
Chemistry Instructor
Pasadena City College
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Melissa Anderson
Chair, Learning Assessment Committee
Pasadena City College
