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In 1912, over half of the campus facilities existing at that time were destroyed by a fire which started in the attic of the administration building. Fire continues to be a significant hazard in every campus operation even today. Building designers plan for fire safety in the construction and renovation of campus buildings. Occupants should be aware of the fire protection features of their building and should be careful to not undermine their purpose. Occupants should also practice fire safe behaviors by identifying the hazards specific to their area and using the appropriate preventative measures. In the event a fire does occur, the campus fire emergency policy should be enacted. Life safety is the primary objective of all UM fire protection programs.
Every building is provided with exits sufficient to permit the prompt escape of occupants in case of a fire or other emergency. Exits are marked by visible, illuminated EXIT signs. Keep exit doors and signs clear of obstructions and maintain the minimum required width of 44 inches of access to exit doors. The required exit access may be more than 44 inches depending on the occupant load and the configuration of the space. Enclosed stairways provide safe passage to the outside in the event of an emergency. Keep stair doors closed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke and keep stairwells clear of storage.
Most campus buildings are equipped with a fire alarm that can be activated by pull stations, smoke detectors and sprinklers. Keep these devices free of obstructions. When activated, the alarm sounds throughout the building to initiate evacuation of building occupants. Sprinklers should have 18 inches of space beneath the deflector in order to function properly. Seek advise from DES when erecting partitions in a sprinklered space. The new wall may interfere with sprinkler and/or fire alarm coverage.
Fire Prevention MeasuresElectricity is found in almost every corner of campus and is a common ignition source in campus fires. Make sure that the electrical equipment and appliances in your area are U.L. listed and are used according to the manufacturers recommendations. The use of makeshift electrical equipment is not permitted except in experimental laboratories when its use is crucial to the research or work being conducted and the lab personnel are qualified. All circuits should have overcurrent protection. Whenever a damaged appliance or power cord is found, it should be placed out of service immediately.
Flammable liquids create a severe fire and explosion hazard. Flammables should be kept in approved, sealed containers. These containers should be stored in flammable liquids storage cabinets or approved storage rooms. Refrigerators used for flammable storage should be manufactured for that purpose and labeled as such on the front of the door. Take out from storage only the amount needed for the day. Eliminate sources of ignition when using flammables, including static electricity, friction, and heat from an oven.
Open flames, whether in a laboratory, kitchen, or shop area, should always be attended. Keep open flames away from combustible and flammable materials. Obtain a "Hot Works Permit" whenever working with open flames outside of designated labs or shop areas.
Good housekeeping is always an important safety measure. Discard combustible waste as soon as possible. Arson is a common cause of fire on campus. Accumulations of paper products and upholstered furnishings are attractive targets of malicious fire setting.
A fire emergency exists when there is: controlled burning, the presence or the odor of smoke, or an uncontrolled release of a toxic gas or a flammable liquid spill. When such an emergency is discovered, an occupant should:
Be available to assist emergency responders by giving information about operations in your area.
The use of fire extinguishers is not required by any building occupant or campus employee and is not recommended for those who have not received training.
Environmental Safety provides fire safety and evacuation training to campus groups upon request.
Fire On Campus brochures feature instructions on emergency evacuation, common fire hazards and fire protection equipment in campus buildings. Call Environmental Safety at (301)405-3960 to request brochures or to borrow National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) videos on Fire Safety. Get Out & Stay Alive Video Program for residential facilities.
All fires, even those found extinguished must be reported by calling 911.
To report life safety equipment in need of service, call the Department of Facilities Management Work Control Center at (301)405-2222. This includes missing or burned out EXIT signs, missing or discharged fire extinguishers, fire doors that do not completely self close and latch, and any damaged or malfunctioning fire alarm or sprinkler system.
In residence halls call the Facilities Center at (301) 314-WORK.
Environmental Safety maintains records of life safety inspections and building evacuation drills.
Written 5/98
Revised 4/05
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