Facilities Management

Fire Regulations

DO NOT ENDANGER YOUR LIFE OR YOUR SAFETY AT ANY TIME.

Go immediately to the nearest fire alarm pull station and pull the handle. This alarm automatically notifies the Office of Public Safety. An officer will be dispatched to the scene.  This is a pre-alarm and does not directly notify the MACOMB FIRE DEPARTMENT (309-833-1776). Familiarize yourself with locations of fire extinguishers, fire alarm pull stations and exits. Call the OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY AT 911 or 298-1949, and tell the dispatcher where the fire is located and all other pertinent information. DO NOT HANG UP THE PHONE UNTIL THE DISPATCHER HANGS UP.

After the fire alarm has been pulled and OPS has been called, you may attempt to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher, using the instructions provided in the fire extinguisher training film. If you have any doubt or feel that the fire is too large, do not attempt to put out the fire or endanger your life or safety. If at any time the general fire alarm sounds, leave the building immediately. If you are in an area that would require you to go up or down floors to get to an exit, use the stairway; do not use the elevator. Assist the Fire Department by directing them to the fire.

MEDICAL OR IMMEDIATE POLICE ASSISTANCE

Immediately notify the OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY AT 298-1949 or 911, and give the dispatcher details of the emergency.
DO NOT HANG UP THE PHONE UNTIL THE DISPATCHER HANGS UP.

These guidelines are intended to prevent fires and to maintain University environments in a condition that is optimal for life safety.

No Smoking

University policies prohibit smoking in all University owned and leased facilities. Smoking should be limited to designated areas only. Interior loading dock areas, foyers and vestibules near entrances are not designated smoking areas.

 

Building Features

  • Do not tamper with fire detection notification devices, smoke or heat detectors, sprinkler heads or other fire protection devices.
  • Sprinkler heads should not be obstructed and at least an 18 inch clearance should be maintained below the level of sprinkler heads.
  • Do not prop open fire or smoke doors (ie. doors to stairways, doors at building subdivisions, and doors to labs) with wedges or other hold open devices.
  • Fire extinguishers
    • The University provides over 2700 fire extinguishers throughout University properties. The fire extinguisher provider provides for the inspection of all fire extinguishers annually. The fire extinguishers are selected by type and location due to the hazards involved, as outlined in applicable City Codes and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code 10.
    • A fire extinguisher may be used under the following conditions.
    • The individual is trained in the use of fire extinguishers.
    • It can be determined exactly what is burning, and that the proper type and classification of fire extinguisher is available.
    • The fire is small (ie. any fire that is isolated to a container or very small area such as a trash can), has not spread to other materials, and can be extinguished with one local extinguisher. There should be no attempt to use a portable fire extinguisher on fire that involves flammable solvents, has spread to other materials, is partially hidden behind a wall, ceiling or equipment, or cannot be reached from a standing position.
    • The air is safe to breather (ie. sufficient oxygen and no toxic fumes), the room is not hot or smoke filled, and there is a clear evacuation path maintained behind you.
    • Never enter a room that is smoke filled. Never enter a room containing a fire. Never enter a room if the top half o the door is warm to touch.
    • The following is offered as a reminder to personnel trained in the operation of a fire extinguisher: Keep your back unobstructed exit and stand six to eight feet away from the fire. Follow the four step PASS procedure:
      • Pull the pin: This unlocks the operating lever and allows the operator to discharge the extinguisher.
      • Aim low: Point the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire.
      • Squeeze the lever. This discharges the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge.
      • Sweep from side to side: Moving carefully toward the fire, keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out. Watch the fire area- if the fire re-ignites, repeat the process.
  • Fire Hose
    • Fire standpipe systems with hose valves, hose lines or hose cabinets are prominently located throughout University buildings. Fire hose cabinets are intended for the storage of fire equipment only.
  • Corridor Utilization Guidelines
    • The storage or use of chemicals, hazardous waste, radioactive material, biological material, compressed gas cylinders, work stations, tables, desks, chairs and any equipment used for active laboratory procedures is strictly forbidden in egress corridors and stairwells.
    • Certain storage equipment such a refrigerators and filing cabinets may be temporarily placed in a corridor if a clear path of egress is maintained (minimum 44” clear width) and the equipment can be locked.
    • Any storage of combustibles items (paper, cardboard boxes, cloth, etc.) in egress corridors must be in fully enclosed cabinets.
    • At no time can any egress corridor be reduced in width by stored items to less than 44 inches.
  • Portable Heaters
    • *Portable heaters are not designed for continuous use and should not be used as a primary heating source for any room or area.
    • Only UL approved portable heaters with an automatic safety switch and tip over protection should be used. Portable heaters with exposed heating elements should be avoided.
    • Portable heaters must be plugged directly into an electrical outlet (do not use extension cords) and the cords should not be located across doorways, aisle ways, under rugs or in areas where the cord may be exposed to wet conditions or physical damage.
    • Maintain at least 3 foot minimum clearance between the heater and any combustible materials (ie. trash and/or recycling containers, furniture, files, curtains, combustible wall coverings)
    • Nothing should be placed on the heaters and the ventilation openings of the portable heater cannot be blocked or obstructed.
    • Portable heaters should be turned off and unplugged when not in use and when the area is not occupied.
    • Portable heaters are not designed for use in areas where flammable / combustible liquids or gases are used or stored, or where dust may be present.
  • Maintaining Fire Alarm and Fire Protection Systems
  • Testing of Fire Alarms and Fire Protection Systems
    • The fire alarm and fire protection systems of each building are tested by the Building Engineer or other University staff to verify its operational condition. Prior to the test or during repair of the system, a notice is posted on the entrance doors to the building and / or an announcement is made to notify occupants. Occupants need not evacuate the building during a fire alarm signal during the test and notify EH&S if not detected. If fire or smoke is detected during a test or outage, follow the Emergency Evacuation Plan.
  • Maintenance and Impairments to the Fire Alarm and Protection Systems (“Fire Watch”)
    • Maintenance and repair of building fire alarm and protection systems are required to provide a safe and consistent level of defense against fire. During these repairs and maintenance, it may be necessary to temporarily disable the building fire alarm or fire protection systems.
    • A fire watch is the process in which a building is physically monitored by designated University personnel (building representatives, security or other adequately trained individuals) during periods when fire alarm or fire protection systems are disabled. These personnel will continually walk the building and report any signs of fire via radio to Office of Public Safety (OPS) who in turn notify local authority having jurisdiction.

  • Know the location of fire extinguishers in your area and how to use them.
  • Training information is available through OPS at 309-298-1949 along with Facilities Management at 309-298-1834.  
  • With a minor fire that appears controllable, contact OPS at 911 or 309-298-1949.
  • Direct the charge of the fire extinguisher toward the base of the flame.
  • If necessary or if directed by OPS, activate the building alarm.
  • With large fires that do not appear controllable, contact OPS.
  • Evacuate all affected rooms, closing all doors to confine the fire and reduce oxygen.
  • Do NOT lock doors.
  • When the building evacuation alarm is sounded or when told to leave by OPS, leave through the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same.
  • If individual cannot exit the building using the stairs, they should proceed to an Area of Safe Refuge to await further assistance.
  • Do not use elevators during a fire.
  • Smoke is the greatest danger in a fire, so stay near the floor where air will be more breathable.
  • If you become trapped in a building during a fire and a window is available, place an article of clothing (shirt, coat, etc.) outside the window as a marker for emergency personnel.
  • Call OPS at 911 or 309-298-1949. 
  • Shout at regular intervals to alert emergency personnel to your location.
  • Once outside, move to a clear area away for emergency vehicles and personnel.
  • If requested, assist OPS.
  • Do NOT return to an evacuated building unless directed to do so by OPS.