Fire Science Laboratory: Standard Operating Procedures and Safety Guidelines
Introduction
The goal of this introduction is to provide the student with an overview of the Fire Science Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures and Safety Guidelines. The Fire Science Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures is a framework within which to conduct research in a safe and efficient manner. The primary goal is to promote behavior that will help users protect themselves and those around them from hazards associated with activities in the Fire Science Laboratory. It consists of documents, listed below, that encompass procedures, checklists and guidelines.
The Fire Science Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures provide general precautions for anticipated operations. It does not provide the answers to all safety questions that may arise. Users are expected to use common sense and seek additional information and advice when needed.
The Master Checklist, Document F-1 below, will guide the new Fire Science Laboratory user through the steps that must be completed before any testing can be started. All documents are available for viewing, printing and downloading as PDF documents, which requires Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Acrobat reader. You can download the free Acrobat reader from the Adobe website.
All manuals, references, catalogs, tools or equipment, which are for use while in the lab, are NOT to be removed from the lab.
1. List of Documents
- F-1 Master Checklist (Start here!)
- F-2 Safety Guidelines
- F-3 Familiarization Tour
- F-4 Laboratory Etiquette
- F-5 Cone Calorimeter Standard Operating Procedures
- F-6 LIFT Standard Operating Procedures
- F-7 LODS Standard Operating Procedures
- F-8 Smoke Chamber Standard Operating Procedures
- F-9 Natural Gas Line Standard Operating Procedures
- F-24 Vaporizer Standard Operating Procedures
- F-26 Gas Monitor Standard Operating Procedures
- F-27 PDA System Standard Operating Procedures
- F-10 Cone Review Sheet
- F-11 LIFT Review Sheet
- F-12 LODS Review Sheet
- F-13 Smoke Chamber Review Sheet
- F-14 Natural Gas Review Sheet
- F-25 Vaporizer Review Sheet
- F-28 PDA Review Sheet
- F-15 How to Develop an Experimental Plan
- F-15aExperimental Plan Template
- F-15bShort Form for Short Tests
- F-16 Experimental Plan Checklist for Advisors
- F-17 Sign-up and Summary Sheet
- F-18 Instructions for Placing Purchase Orders
- F-19 Purchase Order Request Form
- F-20 Return Form
- F-21 Safety Observer Sign-up
- F-22 Troubleshooting Guidelines (really helpful tips)
- F-23 Available References
- F-29 Material Used
- F-30 Hazardous Waste
- F-31 Material Borrowed
- F-32 Workstudy Schedule
Authorized users (students currently enrolled in FP587) require a password to access on-line versions. Printed versions are available for students in the Fire Science Laboratory office during normal working hours. No references are to be removed from the office for any reason.
2. Instruction Manuals
Instruction manual binders are found on the "Manual" shelf, as well as on the webpage for the following: Cone, LIFT, LODS, Smoke Chamber, Natural Gas Line, Vaporizer, Gas Monitor and Alarm System, PDA System and Labview. All other equipment and instrumentation instructions are found in the "Instruction Manual" drawer of the file cabinet.
3. Safety References
Safety references are found on the "Reference" shelves in the office, the "Safety References" drawer of the file cabinet and on the webpage through the link above.
4. Technical References
Technical reference books are located on the "Reference" shelves.
Tech Notes, Application Notes and other technical references are found in the "Technical References" drawer of the file cabinet. Links are available on the webpage through the link above.
5. Catalogs and Company Information
Company catalogs are located in the office. Additional company information can be found in the "Company Information" drawer of the file cabinet.
6. Calibration Curves and Certificates
A binder containing copies of the calibration curves for the heat flux gages is located on the "Manual" shelf in the office. Other calibration certificates are available from the lab staff.
7. Tools, Instrumentation and Equipment
Tools are stored in the tool boxes. All tools are to be replaced when you are cleaning up for the day. Instrumentation is found in the "Instrumentation" cabinet.
Students working in the lab will have space available for storing project related items.
Equipment is located in the drawers under the workbench as well as in the storage closet. Assistance is available from the lab staff to locate items you need.
8. Questions and Problems
The staff and Faculty Coordinator are available at all times to answer any questions you may have regarding operations, procedures and safety aspects of working in the Fire Science Laboratory. Any problems that arise should be brought to the attention of the students' advisor, the lab staff or the Faculty Coordinator. These discussions will in no way affect the student's status.
Maintained by webmaster@wpi.eduLast modified: November 08, 2007 16:02:41