- Fire Extinguishers
Know the two types of fire extinguishers. In this case, the yellow extinguisher is "dry chemical powder". The red extinguisher is "carbon dioxide". Carbon dioxide extinguishers are much preferred (powder extinguishers make an incredible mess). Aviod shooting a fellow human being with powder (the powder gets in the eye and causes eye irritation).
BUT, in some cases, "powder" extinguishers are also red, so READ THE TAG to know what you are using.
- Safety Shower
If you or a labmate is on fire -- go (or direct him/her) to the entrance doorway to the lab. Find and pull the brass ring. Many gallons of water will be dumped from the shower on the ceiling to extinguish the blaze instantly.
- Eyewash Fountain
If you get a chemical in your eye -- wash it out immediately! Use the eyewash fountains (but run some water through before you wash your eye). Retract your eyelid (do not squint -- it restricts water access). Afterward, go to the health center. Take your lab book so that the medical personnel can know with what you were working at the time of the accident.
