Skip to main content

Safety

Emergency Communication

In the chaotic moments following a major laboratory incident - be it a massive chemical spill, a fire, or a severe injury - time is the most critical variable. Emergency communication systems serve as the bridge between the “accident” and the “response.” Effective communication protocols ensure that help arrives swiftly, that the facility is evacuated efficiently, and that the scope of the hazard is conveyed accurately to first responders. OSHA regulations and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) codes mandate specific communication infrastructure and employee training to ensure this link is never broken

Internal Communication Infrastructure

Every laboratory must have redundant methods for initiating an alarm. Reliance on a single method (e.g., cell phones) is insufficient due to potential signal dead zones in basements or interior rooms

  • Fire Alarm Pull Stations
    • Location: Mandated by code to be located near every exit door and generally within 200 feet of travel distance
    • Function: Activating a pull station does two things: it triggers the building-wide evacuation alarm (strobes/horns) and it automatically notifies the local Fire Department or monitoring center. It does not typically pinpoint the exact nature of the hazard (chemical vs. fire) to the responders, only the location
  • Emergency Telephones / Intercoms
    • Direct Lines: Many institutions have designated “Red Phones” or wall-mounted intercoms that connect directly to Campus Safety or Security without dialing
    • Posting: If standard landlines are used, emergency numbers (e.g., 911, Poison Control, Radiation Safety Officer) must be posted clearly on a sticker directly on the handset or on the wall immediately adjacent to the phone
  • Overhead Paging Systems (“Code” Calls)
    • Hospitals utilize standardized code systems (e.g., “Code Red” for fire, “Code Orange” for hazmat spill). Laboratory staff must know how to access the paging system to announce a code if the automated alarm does not cover the specific scenario (e.g., a violence/security threat)

External Communication (The “911” Call)

When calling for external help, the quality of information provided dictates the quality of the response. A frantic call of “Help, there’s a spill!” is unhelpful. The laboratory scientist must act as a precise reporter

  • The Script: Training should drill the “Who, What, Where, Hazard” protocol:
    • Who: “This is [Name] in the Clinical Laboratory.”
    • Where: “Located at [Address], [Building Name], [Room Number].” Note: In large hospital complexes, the street address alone is often insufficient. Responders need the specific wing or floor.
    • What: “We have a [Fire / Chemical Spill / Medical Emergency].”
    • Hazard: “The chemical involved is [Name]. It is [Flammable / Toxic / Corrosive]. There [are/are not] injured victims.”
  • Don’t Hang Up: The caller should never hang up until instructed to do so by the dispatcher. The dispatcher may need to guide responders or ask for updates on the fire’s spread

Hazard Communication to Responders

When Firefighters or Hazmat teams arrive, they are entering unknown territory. The laboratory must provide immediate visual intelligence

  • Door Signage (NFPA 704 Diamond): The standard “Fire Diamond” on the door provides an immediate snapshot of the hazards inside
    • Blue (Health): 0-4
    • Red (Flammability): 0-4
    • Yellow (Instability/Reactivity): 0-4
    • White (Special): Water Reactive (W) or Oxidizer (OX)
    • Significance: If responders see a “4” in the Blue quadrant, they know they cannot enter without full SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) and Level A suits
  • Chemical Inventory List: A hard copy of the laboratory’s chemical inventory (or access to the digital database) should be available at the department entrance or control desk. This allows the Hazmat chief to know exactly what volume of solvents is stored in the cabinet that is currently burning
  • Safety Data Sheets (SDS): While maintaining SDSs is a Right-to-Know requirement for employees, they are also critical for emergency medical personnel treating victims of exposure. The SDS provides the specific antidote or first aid treatment

Employee Alarm Systems

Communication is a two-way street. The facility must communicate the danger to the employees

  • Visual vs. Auditory: The alarm system must accommodate all employees, including those with disabilities
    • Auditory: Sirens/Horns (must be 15 decibels above ambient noise levels)
    • Visual: Strobe lights (essential for hearing-impaired staff or in high-noise instrument rooms)
  • Distinct Signals: The alarm signal for “Evacuate” (Fire) must be distinct from other operational alarms (like a freezer failure alarm or an incubator alarm). Employees must be trained to recognize the specific cadence or tone of the evacuation signal