Chapter Six - Fire

Fire Protection

CHESS follows the same safety procedures for fires as does LNS.  Report any fire by immediately activating an alarm.

When an alarm sounds, all employees except the fire wardens must evacuate the building.  DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.  The fire warden for the area is the CHESS operator on duty at the time of the emergency.  Familiarize yourself with the two exits from CHESS West and the single exit from CHESS East.  Also, study the map or check the exits in person to find the best escape route once you have left the experimental areas.

The three Main building exits are:

1. in the CHESS stairwell

2. near the LNS stockroom

3. at the L0E overhead door

Fire extinguishers are located throughout the flares and shop areas.  Never attempt to use a fire extinguisher unless you have previously read the directions and have been trained to use one.  Be sure you are using the appropriate extinguisher:

• Type A extinguishers are for wood and paper

• Type B extinguishers are for flammable liquids

• Type C extinguishers are for electrical equipment

• Type D extinguishers are for burning metals

  Some extinguishers are multi-use rated.

If your clothes have caught fire, STOP, DROP and ROLL. If someone else's clothes have caught fire, make them get on the ground and roll to put the flames out. Use a fire blanket to smother the flames.

Gas Alarms

Pressing a gas alarm button sounds the fire alarm system and turns on the toxic vent system.  This vent system exhausts the air out of the CHESS experimental area to ensure that the contaminated air is not recycled into the building.  Gas alarm buttons are located on the CHESS control panel and in the West Flare.  If you know of a leak of toxic or explosive gas, inform a CHESS operator of the problem immediately.  He or she will activate a gas alarm.  Leave the building as soon as the fire alarm sounds.

Guidelines to prevent the outbreak of a fire in the CHESS facility

• Know the flammability of the materials you are using and take appropriate precautions.
• There is no smoking inside the CHESS facility or any campus buildings.
• Do not use frayed electrical cords and do not overload circuits.
• Do not attempt to use a fire extinguisher unless you are trained to operate one.

Fire Safety Pre-Inspection Tips for Departmental Review

Exits Blocked

• Exit corridors, aisles and stairwells are to be TOTALLY CLEAR of storage or any other obstructions AT ALL TIMES.

Fire Doors / Stairwell Fire Doors

• Fire doors are propped open or closer is disconnected.

Electric

• Use of extension cords is kept to a minimum.  Extension cords are only used for temporary needs.  Situations with insufficient outlets are remedied by installing additional hardwired outlets.
• Extension cords are not strung through doorways, walls, over ceilings, etc.
• Extension cords or phone cords are not capable of being tripping hazards.
• Electric panels or junction boxes all have proper covers.
• Electrical receptacles and wiring are all in good condition and not exposed to occupants.
• Exit signs are lit and open to view.

Fire Stop Surfaces

• Ceiling tiles are all in place to maintain the fire stopping integrity of the ceiling.
• Holes around wall or floor penetrations for piping, ductwork, etc. have been sealed with proper fire stopping.

Sprinklers

• NOTHING is hung from sprinkler piping.
• Storage is held back at least 18 inches from sprinkler heads.

Safety Equipment

• Eyewash or emergency shower is accessible at all times.
• Safety guards are connected and operational on saws, paper cutters, rotating shafts, etc.

Storage

• Storage of chemicals, compressed gases, combustible or flammable materials is according to manufacturers recommendations and good safety practice.
• Gas cylinders must be anchored to walls to prevent tipping over.
• Storage areas are neat and uncluttered.  Access for inspection is easy.

Ventilation

• Proper ventilation for battery chargers or stored chemicals.

Assembly Spaces

• Occupancy limit posted.
• Exit signs are lit.

Fire Zones

Fire Alarm Zones	Location
Zone 1	L1 (Tunnel)
Zone 2	L2 (Tunnel)
Zone 3	L3 (Tunnel)
Zone 4	L4 (Tunnel)
Zone 5	L5 (Tunnel)
Zone 6	Cross Tunnel
Zone 7	Synchrotron Hall (L0) & LS1
Zone 8	1st Floor - Room 101
Zone 9	1st Floor - CHESS, Electronic Lab, Stockroom
Zone 10	2nd Floor - Offices, Labs and Rm. 101 Sprinklers
Zone 11	6th Floor
Zone 12	3rd Floor - Offices and Labs
Zone 13	LS3 and LS2
Zone 14	4th Floor
Zone 15	5th Floor
Zone 16	Gas Alarm (manual alarm in CHESS & Control Room)
Zone 17	L0E (Machine Shop and Tech. Area)
Zone 18	New Addition - All floors

Last Update: 2006-09-21