Physical Plant

Academic Building Fire Safety

FIRE DOORS PROPPED OPEN: The most common LIFE SAFETY CODE violation found on this campus is fire doors propped or wedged open. These doors are found in corridors, stairwells, and main exits. These doors are required by code to be closed to control the spread of smoke and fire. The rule of thumb is, if it has an automatic closer on it, then it should be closed. In some buildings we have installed magnetic door holders to hold the fire doors open. These holders have been connected to the fire alarm panel and will close in the event of an alarm.

FLAMMABLE MATERIAL IMPROPERLY STORED: This is a serious violation of the LIFE SAFETY CODE. If your work requires the use of flammable liquids, then only the minimum amount should be kept. Flammable liquids should be kept in metal cabinets or containers. All paper towels or cleaning cloths that have been used with a flammable cleaning solvent are capable of spontaneous combustion and must be promptly disposed of outside the building.

EXCESSIVE STORAGE OF COMBUSTIBLES: Excess boxes and storage should be removed from closets and storage rooms. Use shelves to help organize and get storage up off the floor.

STORAGE INSIDE STAIRWELLS: Stairwells must be kept clean and unobstructed. Storage is never allowed inside or under stairwells.

ACCESS TO ELECTRICAL PANELS BLOCKED: Storage is never allowed inside electrical rooms or around electrical panels. If an electrical panel has a short or fault it can throw sparks that would quickly ignite combustibles. Electrical panels outside of electrical rooms should never have equipment or storage placed in front of them. The NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE requires 36 inches of clear working space in front of electrical panels for emergency access.

UNIDENTIFIED ROOMS: All rooms need to be identified for emergency response personnel who may be unfamiliar with the building. Storage rooms, electrical rooms, mechanical rooms, elevator equipment rooms, janitorial closets, stairwell doors, and exit doors all need to be clearly identified.

WASTEBASKETS AND TRASH CANS: All wastebaskets and trash cans should be made of metal or fire resistant material. All trash receptacles placed in public areas (i.e. lobbies, lounges, areas of assembly) should have self-closing lids.

LOCKOUT OF RESTRICTED AREAS: All mechanical rooms, electrical rooms, roof accesses, and janitorial closets should be kept locked. Access should be limited to authorized personnel. Storage of nonsupport equipment or materials in mechanical or electrical rooms is prohihited.

ABUSE OF EXTENSION CORDS: Extension cords should never be used as permanent wiring. If they are used on a temporary basis they should not be placed across doorways causing a trip hazard nor should they be placed under carpets causing a fire hazard. Extension cords must be heavy duty and are limited to the single receptacle type.

MULTIPLUG ADAPTERS: The use of multiplug adapters is prohibited. We recommend the use of outlet strips with built-in circuit breakers.

EXIT LIGHTS: Exit lights and emergency lighting should never be covered or blocked from view. If you notice that an exit light has burned out, please report it to the Physical Plant at 266-4414.

HEAT SOURCES: Portable electric heaters are prohibited on campus. They are a high temperature heat source that can ignite nearby combustibles and draw large amounts of current that can overload the building electrical system.

ELEVATORS: Always exit the building during a fire alarm. This is state law and University policy. Never use the elevator during a fire alarm, USE THE STAIRS.

EXITS: Always know two ways out of the building and the location of the nearest fire extinguisher.

SHARPS: Never place broken glass or other sharp objects in the trash unprotected.

UNSAFE CONDITIONS: Promptly report all defective equipment and unsafe conditions.

If I can be of further assistance in this or any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact me:

Rodger Jackson, Director of Safety, 266-4850.