NFPA 45: Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals is the comprehensive source for requirements for the fire safe design and operation of instructional, educational, and industrial laboratories to avoid injury to lab occupants. This Standard outlines the maximum allowable quantities of liquids and gases, as well as requirements for laboratory ventilating systems and chemical fume hoods.

An expanded scope and new chapter help protect students and staff in school laboratories.

NFPA 45 now applies to all educational and instructional laboratories, independent of the quantity of chemicals present. In response to recent incidents involving injuries to students and faculty, a new chapter on Educational and Instructional Laboratories was added to this edition, with requirements intended to protect people during experiments and demonstrations involving hazardous materials.

Other changes in the 2015 edition clarify application and help designers, installers, facility managers, and AHJs comply.

By spelling out which chapters in NFPA 45 apply to new and existing facilities, the 2015 edition makes it easier for designers, facility managers, owners, and enforcers to ensure the correct protocols are in place. Other changes impact specific facilities, chemicals, and safety controls.

• Clarified requirements explain where Class A, B, C, and D laboratory units are permitted below grade.
• New requirements address fire retardant clothing.
• New requirements for inert atmosphere glove boxes address the need for equipment to prevent fires caused by air- and water-reactive chemicals.
• New safe handling requirements are provided for handling pyrophoric reagents and water-reactive material.
• New safety control rules for open flame operations improve safety by reducing risks to personnel.