Title: Discussion Board Link: Incident: Fire from frayed electrical wiring
Course: Lab Safety > Section: Day 3

A beaker of acetone, a very flammable organic solvent, was placed near a hot plate.  The acetone fumes, heavier than air, crept along the top of the bench and at some point the frayed electrical wiring of the hot plate generated a spark.  The fumes ignited.  The instructor's lab coat caught fire.  One alert student safely extinguished the fire and another wrapped the instructor in a fire blanket.  There were no serious injuries or damage.

What lessons can be learned?  What questions might you still have?  What could other students do to help the situation?

Answer a question.  Ask a question.  Be complete in your response by answering why you answered as you did or why you want to know what your questions is.