6. Fire-Prevention and Fighting
6.1 Fire-fighting Procedures and Responsibilities
Every person working at the Institute must know the location and operation of the fire-fighting and emergency equipment at their place of work. In case of a fire or suspected fire (e.g. smoke alarm), your response depends on both proximity to the fire and official communications. Depending on the severity of the situation either help extinguish or isolate a fire, call for help (ext. 2999) or evacuate the premises (See Section 1.2: Emergency Response for Fire or Explosion). Avoid areas where a fire is being treated, so as not to interfere with the activities of the response team.
Fire-fighting and emergency equipment are described below (Section 6.2). The Security Officers receive periodic refresher training sessions in the correct use of fire-fighting and emergency equipment. Training is given by the Institute Security & Fire Prevention Unit, in collaboration with the city fire services and coordinated with the Institute Safety Officer and the Scientific, Administrative and Technical Departments.
If a fire breaks out adjacent to cylinders of flammable, toxic or oxidizing gases, they should be closed immediately. Try to remove any cylinder liable to be affected by the heat of the fire, especially if it contains a toxic, flammable or oxidizing gas.
If hazardous materials are involved, e.g. Radioactive, biological or chemical, do not attempt to extinguish the fire; inform emergency at 2999 about location of the event: building, level and room number, your name and phones. Evacuate the building.
6.2 Details of Fire-Fighting and Emergency EquipmentSuitable fire-fighting equipment is available according to the degree of hazard anticipated at a particular location, including fire retardent pads, hoses, hydrants and fire blankets. Training is necessary to learn the location and proper operation of the equipment. The fire-fighting and emergency equipment must not be operated unnecessarily, as this can make them unusable. Mobile equipment must not be moved from its designated place, and access to fire-fighting or emergency equipment of any kind should not be blocked by other articles, even if they are mobile.
The Security & Fire-fighting Unit must immediately be informed whenever fire-fighting or emergency equipment is used, or if any problems are discovered in the equipment or water system (such as pipes, emergency showers). Water system faults are reported to and repaired by the Institute plumbers (Construction and Physical Plant Maintenance Division), ext. 3333.
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Emergency masks are located in the corridors. |
Safety Cabinets are in each building, containing equipment to deal with emergency situations.
6.2.1 Mobile Fire-Fighting Equipment
BCF fire extinguishers (hand-carried or wheel-mounted) are the most commonly used extinguishers at the Weizmann Institute. They are recommended for fires in computer and laser rooms in order to protect electrical equipment, including; control panels, electric appliances, motors and generators. They are also suitable for flammable gas and liquid fires.
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To operate, turn and pull the pin, direct the deflector to the fire and press the lever. |
CO2 (carbon dioxide) fire extinguishers (hand-carried or wheel-mounted) are intended for small fires in electric motors, electric circuits, laser and computer rooms, flammable liquids and gases. They are less effective than BCF extinguishers, but are recommended for delicate equipment as they do not cause water or chemical damage.
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To operate, turn and pull the pin, direct the deflector to the fire and press the lever. |
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Should be operated by authorized personnel only! To operate, turn and pull the pin, direct the deflector to the fire and press the lever. |
6.2.2 Fixed Fire-Fighting Equipment
With the exception of the fire-blanket, the following equipment should only be used by trained Institute or outside fire-fighters:
Fire Blankets are used to envelop a burning individual to extinguish the flames. They are located inside the buildings at the entrance, and also in some floor corridors.
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To use, tear open the wrapping and pull out the blanket. |
A Roller, a rubber pipe attached to the water system, 20 meters long and 3/4" - 11/4" diameter, is used for liquid and solid fires, provided the electric supply is turned off.
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Should be operated by authorized personnel only! |
Fire Hydrants are attached to the water system. Nearby are kept cloth pipes (hoses), 15 meters long, for extinguishing fires caused by solids and liquids, but supplying larger quantities of water.
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Should be operated by authorized personnel only! |
Automatic-Power Extinguishers, containing multipurpose powder, are used to extinguish fires in the central heating ducts and steam boilers.
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Should be operated by authorized personnel only! |
Halon Gas Authomatic Extinguisher, used to extinguish fire in electricity boards, computers and electronic systems.
6.3 Fire Prevention in the Laboratory
Chemical materials liable to cause laboratory fires are solids of the group of alkali metals, fine metallic powders (aluminum, magnesium, etc.), metallic hydrates and alkalis, and phosphorus and its derivatives.
Extinguish the fire using a Powder extinguisher for metals (yellow color).
Chemicals must be stored in appropriate and labeled containers at well-ventilated and, when possible, fireproof sites. The Institute Safety Officer should be consulted regarding the safe transport, transfer, storage and use of chemicals; and regarding the safe use of electricity in order to minimize fire hazards.