scope:

This standard shall apply to laboratory buildings, laboratory units and laboratory work areas in which hazardous chemicals are handled or stored.

Exception No. 1: It does not apply to laboratory work areas which are covered by NFPA 56C, Safety Standard for Laboratories in Health-Related Institutions.

Exception No. 2: It does not apply to Laboratories that are, in fact, pilot plants.

Exception No. 3: It does not apply to laboratories that are, in fact, primarily manufacturing plants.

Exception No. 4: It does not apply to an incidental testing facility for in-process control located within a manufacturing or operating area. (See definition of Incidental Testing Facility in Section 1-4 of this standard and Section 5-2, "Incidental Storage or Use of Liquids," of NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.)

Exception No. 5: It does not apply to physical, electronic, instrument, or similar laboratories which use small quantities of chemicals for incidental purposes, such as cleaning.

This standard contains requirements, but not all inclusive requirements, for conducting laboratory experiments and for handling and storage of hazardous chemicals.

Exception No. 1: It does not cover the special fire protection required when handling explosive materials. (See NFPA 495, Code for the Manufacture, Transportation, Storage and Use of Explosive Matenals.)

Exception No. 2: It does not cover the special fire protection required when handling radioactive materials. (See NFPA 801, Recommended Fire Protection Practice for Facilities Handling Radioactive Materials.)

Laboratory work areas, laboratory buildings, equipment, and installations which do not comply strictly with this standard shall be considered to be in compliance if it can be shown that equivalent protection has been provided or that no specific hazard will be created or continued through noncompliance.