Fire alarm pull stations

A wide variety of sensing and initiating devices are available that can detect heat, smoke, radiant energy, and fire gas products. These devices should be selected based upon the type of fire anticipated. Additionally, sprinkler system water flow, activation of other extinguishing systems, and manual fire alarm pull stations can also be used to initiate an alarm signal. 

Fire alarm pull station —The location of the nearest pull station should be familiar to everyone in the laboratory... 

Everyone should be familiarwith the location anduseofaUequipment in their laboratory area. As noted above, this includes means to initiate an evacuation (fire alarm pull stations, etc.), fire extinguishers, fire blankets, eyewash stations, deluge showers, first aid kits, spiU kit materials, respiratory protective devices, and any other materials normally kept in the area for emergency response. 

The water supply to B6596 consists of a 6-inch riser in the mechanical equipment room that supplies water to the fire protection wet-pipe sprinkler system. Sprinkler heads have internal fusible elements that open the sprinkler flow orifice at a temperature of 165°F. Fire alarm pull stations and fire extinguishers are located in both the main facility and the Chapel. 

To ensure that laboratory workers respond appropriately, they should be briefed on the necessary steps to take in case of a fire. The laboratory should be set up in such a way that the locations of fire alarms, pull stations, fire extinguishers, safety showers, and other emergency equipment are marked and all laboratory personnel alerted to them (see section 5.C.11 below). Exit routes in case of fire should be reviewed. Fire extinguishers in the immediate vicinity of an experiment should be appropriate to the particular fire hazards. Proper extinguishers must be used because fires can be exacerbated by use of an inappropriate extinguisha-. Telephone numbers to call in case of an accident should be readily available. 

Preparation is essential Make sure all laboratory personnel know the locations of all fire extinguishers in the laboratory, what types of fires they can be used for, and how to operate them correctly. Also ensure that they know the location of the nearest fire alarm pull station, safety showers, and emergency blankets. 

Safety equipment, including spill control kits, safety shields, fire safety equipment, respirators, safety showers and eyewash fountains, and emergency equipment should be available in well-marked, highly visible locations in all chemical laboratories. Fire alarm pull stations and telephones with emragency telephone numbCTs clearly indicated must be readily accessible. In addition to the standard items, thwe may also be a need for other safety devices. It is the responsibility of the laboratory supervisor to ensure proper training and provide supplementary equipment as needed. 

Manual pull stations. NFPA Article 72A 5-8.1.2 requires the distribution of manual fire alarm pull stations throughout the protected area. 

All buildings should be equipped writh one or more types of fire extinguishers (Figure 7-1) and fire alarm systems. All employees should be familiar with the location, type, and use of extinguishers, as well as the location and operation of fire alarm pull stations. 

Lab occupants aware of fire alarm pull station location(s)... 

Will fire sensors, pull stations, and alarms be adequate ... 

In a manual fire alarm system, the device used to activate the alarm in most cases is a pull box or pull station. The mechanism is very simple—puUing the switch either makes or breaks an electrical circuit which in turn causes an alarm to sound. As wiU be discussed more fiiUy in the next section, the alarm may sound only in the individual building, or the alarm could initiate a signal at a remote location as well. 

FIGURE M.2 Fire alarm manual pull station. 

When an employee detects a fire, he/she must go to the nearest fire alarm station and activate the alarm by pulling on the lever. The alarms will notify the Emergencv Response Team as well as the Town of Fire Department. Fire alarms are located on each floor near the elevators, and also near each entry/exit door. 

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