Safety and Loss Control Manual

Fire/Life Safety

Fire/Life Safety-General Fire/Life Safety

Fire Emergency Procedures

It is important that everyone familiarize themselves with the proper procedures to follow in case of a fire emergency. Never presume that these procedures have been written for other persons only, they exist for the benefit of all members of the campus.

In the event of a fire disaster, even the best-developed plans may go wrong because people tend to panic. Four simple rules to follow in the event of a fire are:

• Safety of the People. Evacuation of the people as quickly and safely as possible. Close doors to isolate the fire. Use building stairwells and not the elevators. Follow exit signs and ask nearby persons if you are unsure of the proper evacuation routes. Assist any person in immediate danger to safety. Never re-enter the building until deemed safe by authorized personnel. It is recommended that individuals with disabilities have two escape plans in place, one for when they are in the company of a nondisabled individual, and one for when they are alone. Special escape plans should be documented and reviewed as necessary, with a copy of the plan forwarded to the Safety and Environmental Health Office.

• Send the Alarm. In some situations, fire alarm systems may activate due to an automatic smoke detector, heat detector, or fire sprinkler system. In other situations, a fire may need to be reported by an individual by either calling the fire department, or pulling a fire alarm pull station. To report a fire by phone on campus, dial 911. If off campus, dial 911, or be familiar with any other specific dialing instructions.

• Notify Others in the Area. In buildings equipped with fire alarm systems, all persons will be notified of a fire emergency. In buildings not equipped with fire alarm systems, use any mechanism possible for this purpose. This could include public address (PA) systems, knocking on doors, and shouting “ FIRE”. Move out to a safe area to give firefighters a clear field.

• Assist Campus Police or Firefighters. Relate to them the location of the fire, what is burning, and any special considerations such as chemicals, radiation hazards, or any other pertinent information.

Although some of UND’s fire alarm systems are computer automated, an activated alarm does not necessarily summon the fire department. The function of the fire alarm systems is for alerting occupants of the building only. Building occupants must report all fires to the fire department by calling 911. It is requested that building occupants also call Facilities, 24-hour communications desk whenever an alarm sounds, 777-2591. The 24-hour communications desk will also notify the fire department whenever an alarm notification is either verbally or electronically received.

Some of the University’s facilities are equipped with automatic fire suppression systems. Be familiar with the systems in your workplace. All of the University facilities are equipped with portable fire extinguishers.

Only consider using a fire extinguisher if you are trained to do so, and if you can safely do so without risk to yourself or other persons.

Evacuation for Persons with Disabilities(Taken, with permission, from ClemsonUniversity)

The following are procedures designed to assist persons with disabilities in evacuating a building during an emergency:

Faculty/Staff Responsibilities

Faculty and staff are expected to direct the evacuation from either their classroom or work area. They are responsible for knowing the primary and alternative routes of exit. They will provide assistance to the person with a disability according to the person’s directions given either to the faculty member at the beginning of each semester or to the work supervisor within the first week of employment.

Individuals with Disabilities Responsibilities

Individuals with disabilities are responsible for knowing how they want to be helped during an evacuation. (For guidance on assessing the need for assistance and appropriate procedures to use for evacuation, see “”Emergency Evacuation Preparedness: Taking Responsibility for Your Safety”, found on the UND Affirmative Action website at: http://www.und.edu/org/adainfo) They are expected to convey this information to their instructors within the first week of each semester or to their work supervisors within the first week of employment. Guests of the University and campus visitors should inform the University employee/student with whom they are dealing of their need for evacuation assistance.

Pre-Emergency Preparation

• Be familiar with buildings and their exits.
• Be familiar with the distinct emergency alarm system in each building.
• Whenever possible, in any emergency, try to have a designated person assist you during the evacuation. Please keep in mind the safety of this person during the evacuation.
• Know the safest method to use to assist you.
• Know how many people you need to provide you with assistance.
• Be prepared to explain how and where a person(s) should support you. Practice instructions beforehand.

Fire Evacuation
In the event of a fire alarm, first check to make sure the hallway is clear of smoke. If no smoke is present and it is safe, go to the nearest stairwell and remain as close to the stairs as possible without hindering the exit of others. Have a previously designated person contact fire personnel for assistance.

If there is smoke or flames in the hallway, keep the doors closed to the room, place towels under the door (if possible) and call 911. Give the operator the exact location of where you are and wait until someone arrives to give you assistance.

Fire Prevention

The following rules are critical to the prevention of most fire emergencies:

• Never block or obstruct fire lanes, they must remain clear at all times to provide accessfor emergency vehicles.

• Do not obstruct any of the required exits or exit pathways from buildings.

• Never store flammable or combustible liquids in areas used for exits, stairways, or normally used for the safe passage of people.

• Store flammable or combustible liquids only in approved closed containers, in tanks located underground, or in aboveground storage tanks.

• When dispensing flammable liquids in quantities ranging from one gallon to five gallons, use only approved metal safety cans, containers approved by the Department of Transportation, or containers approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory

• Never tamper with or attempt to alter any fire protection equipment.

• Never overload existing power circuits.

• Carryout good housekeeping practices.

Fire Safety While Traveling

When staying at a hotel, be sure to familiarize yourself with the following hotel fire safety guidelines:

• Acquaint yourself with all hotel emergency procedures.

• Make sure you know where all emergency exits are nearest to your room, as well as any conference rooms, dining areas, and any other hotel facilities you may frequent duringyour stay.

• When you hear the fire alarm sounding, immediately leave your room. Be onlyconcerned with grabbing essential clothing and your room key. Use the stairs to go tothe main floor; exit the hotel as quickly as possible; and follow all directions from the hotel staff.

• If the doorknob or door is hot, do not open the door to your room. Immediately, begin to fill the bathtub with water and get all the towels and washcloths wet.

• If smoke begins to come into the room from under the door, place the wet towels across the bottom of the door.

• Use whatever means necessary to notify emergency responders that you are trapped in your room (i.e. phone, cellular phone, wave a towel in the window, shine a flashlight out, etc.).

• Do not jump from the window of an upper story room, unless told to do so by emergency responders.

Residence Hall Fire Safety

 For Residence Hall fire safety, please refer to the Calendar Handbook for UND Residence Halls.

University Apartment Fire Safety

 For University Apartment fire safety, please refer to the UND Apartment Housing Policy Book.

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Candles, incense, or similar devices with open flames are prohibited in all campus buildings. This includes dormitories and offices. Some exemptions apply in Apartment/Family Housing and for supervised special events where prior approval has been granted.

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The University complies with the fire codes and standards mandated by the State of North Dakota. Combustibles are objects that are capable of catching fire and burning, including but not limited to: paper, cardboard, wood, leaves, and fabric. Some of the key combustible storage concepts in these codes and standards include:

Storage of combustible materials in buildings must be orderly.

Combustible material must not be stored in exits or exit enclosures.

Two feet of clearance must be maintained below the ceiling in non-sprinklered areas of buildings. 18 inches or more of clearance is required below sprinkler head deflectors in sprinklered areas of buildings. 36 inches or more of clearance is required below fast response sprinkler heads. Storage must be arranged with this in mind.

Combustible material storage is not permitted in boiler rooms, mechanical rooms, communication rooms, or electrical equipment rooms.

Attic, under-floor, and concealed spaces used for storage of combustible materials must be protected on the side where the materials are stored as required for 1-hour fire resistive construction. Openings are required to be protected by assemblies that are self-closing and are of non-combustible construction or solid wood core not less than 1.75 inches in thickness. Storage must not be placed on exposed joists. Some exemptions apply in areas protected by approved automatic sprinkler systems.

Oily rags and similar materials must be stored in metal, metal-lined, or other approved containers equipped with tight fitting covers. They are to be emptied daily.

Fueled equipment, including but not limited to motorcycles, mopeds, lawn-care equipment, and portable cooking equipment, must not be stored, operated, or repaired within a building. Some exemptions apply in buildings or rooms constructed for such use in accordance with applicable fire codes.

Combustible rubbish kept or accumulated within or adjacent to buildings or structures must be in containers complying with applicable fire codes or in rooms or vaults constructed of non-combustible materials.

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Decorations must not disguise, cover, or interfere with any safety device, including fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, exit signs, sprinkler heads and piping, and fire alarm pull stations.

Live cut trees must have prior permission from Safety and Environmental Health Office and have a tag showing that they have been flame-retardant treated. The tag must include the name and registration number of the chemical used, the name of the applicator and the date of treatment. Keep natural trees in water at all times to slow the natural drying process.

Live trees are not permitted in the residence halls. Artificial trees are allowed when placement, lighting, decorations and monitoring rules are adhered to. They must be kept out of corridors and away from doorways and heat sources.

Lights must bear the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) seal of approval and must be of miniature size. Be certain that there are no loose sockets and that wires are not frayed or damaged. Do not run wiring through doorways, under carpeting or through holes in a wall. The use of extension cords should be avoided; rather, a multiple-outlet power strip with an internal circuit breaker is recommended. Always turn the holiday lights off when you leave the building.

Decorating guidelines for apartment housing can be referenced in the UND Apartment Policy Handbook.

For further information, contact the Safety and Environmental Health Office, 777-3341.

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Large fires such as bonfires, brush fires, etc, are only allowed if they have been approved by the Safety and Environmental Health Office and the Grand Forks City Fire Marshal. Once approved, a permit is required with the city of Grand Forks. There is a charge associated with this permit.

With the use of a recreational fire permit, the Safety and Environmental Health Office may approve smaller fires such as campfires. This approval is granted under specific criteria on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Safety and Environmental Health Office for more information on recreational fires.

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