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Case 6a :

Safety in Research—Materials Safety

Professor Rolap sat bolt upright in bed, startling her husband,

"What? When did this happen? Was anyone in the laboratory at the time?"

Fire Inspector Ng replied calmly,

"It appears that there was an explosion in your laboratory, professor. We received the call around 1:15 this morning and we have been on-scene for 5 minutes. We have called the Safety Officers for Hong Kong University, but we need to know from you what is in your laboratory before we enter. We are not aware of what chemicals you work with and what the hazards to the fire team might be. Can you please tell me what is in your laboratory?"

Professor Rolap replied quickly as she fumbled around for her glasses and car keys,

"Do not use water. Do not open the laboratory if you can avoid it. If the fire is contained in the laboratory, that is best. We work many times with Lithium Aluminum Hydride to reduce esters for… it doesn't matter. Is the fire contained? If it is contained in the glove box, it should not pose more threats unless exposed to water. You need Class D fire extinguishers."

Fire Inspector Ng yelled some orders at his company and asked Professor Rolap,

"Have you got the Safety Officers' mobile numbers? Can you think of anything we need to know about the adjacent laboratories? What is the number of your department chairman?"

Then he returned to speaking to his company, ignoring Professor Rolap.

Professor Rolap's mind turned to the afternoon, when she was instructing two new assistants in the use of the glove box.

"Did I fail to teach them adequately?"

• What are the key problems here?
• What sort of prior communication between this laboratory and the Safety Office should have occurred?
• Between the Safety Office and the Fire Services Department?
• Between Professor Rolap and the Fire Services Department?