CLARION UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
FIRE SAFETY POLICY AND PROCEDURES
Purpose
Clarion University is committed to providing a safe environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. It is the University’s intent to protect members of the campus community against avoidable and undue risks of injury or death due to fire. Fire prevention measures also minimize loss of property due to fire.
Scope
This policy applies to all occupants (faculty, staff, students, and visitors) in any University building.
Fire Protection Systems
A. Fire Alarm Systems
Automatic fire alarm systems are installed in many University buildings. The activation of a smoke detector, activation of a heat detector, activation of an automatic sprinkler system, or activation of a manual pull station initiate a building fire alarm. Audible and visual alarm devices are used to warn building occupants. All personnel must immediately evacuate any campus building upon activation of a fire alarm. Never assume that an alarm is false.
It is the responsibility of Public Safety to notify the fire department in the event of a reported or suspected fire
B. Automatic Sprinkler Systems
Automatic sprinkler systems consist of a network of piping, water supply, sprinkler heads, and alarm and detection devices that sense heat from a fire and automatically distribute water to extinguish the fire or control its growth. Automatic sprinkler systems are installed to protect property and the occupants in the building. Automatic sprinkler systems are inspected and serviced by an outside vendor in accordance with standards established by the National Fire Prevention Association several times per year.
The following regulations shall apply to all sprinkler systems in campus buildings:
· Vandalism, tampering, or any reckless action that causes sprinklers to discharge is prohibited. Violations may result in judicial and/or administrative disciplinary actions.
· Under no circumstances may sprinklers be painted or in any way obstructed. Objects may not be hung or draped from any sprinkler apparatus.
· Sprinklers activated during a fire are to be shut off by authorized fire safety personnel.
C. Halon Fire Suppression Systems
Halon fire extinguishing systems use a halogenated hydrocarbon as a fire-extinguishing agent. The Halon agent inhibits the chemical reaction of fuel and oxygen, thus stopping the combustion chain reaction. Halon is non-corrosive and does not damage sensitive equipment. Halon fire suppression systems are located in the Peirce Science Center chemical storage room (B14) and the Still Hall Computer Center. These systems are inspected semi-annually.
D. Wet Chemical (Ansul) Fire Suppression Systems
Wet chemical, commonly called Ansul, fire suppression systems are installed in commercial food preparation areas. These systems are installed in Chandler Dining Hall and the Gemmell Snack Bar. These systems are tested semi-annually.
E. Fire Doors
Fire doors can help stop the spread of smoke or fire from one area to another. Fire doors in corridors or stairwells are designed to stand up to fire longer than doors to individual rooms. It is important that fire doors are CLOSED for them to work properly. A fire door that is propped open will allow fire and smoke to spread, endangering building occupants. Generally, if a door has a device that automatically closes the door, it should not be propped open. Propping fire doors is prohibited.
F. Stairwells and Corridors
Stairwells and corridors are intended to provide a safe and adequate means by which occupants may exit the building—and emergency personnel may access the building—during an emergency. Corridors and other means of egress must be free of obstructions.
The following items are subject to immediate removal by the Department of Facilities Management
§ Any items located within a stairwell or stair enclosure.
§ Any items that obstruct fire emergency equipment (fire alarm pull stations, sprinklers, fire extinguishers, etc.).
§ Any items that are determined to be an immediate fire or life safety hazard
Fire Fighting Equipment
RA's receive training for fire extinguisher operations
A. Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are located in strategic areas throughout every University building. Fire extinguishers are inspected bi-monthly by Public Safety and annually by White Fire Extinguisher Company. Fire extinguishers can save lives and property by extinguishing a small fire or containing it until the Clarion Fire Department arrives. Fire extinguishers are not designed to fight large or spreading fires. Vandalism, tampering, and discharging fire extinguishers is prohibited. Violators face disciplinary actions.
The following guidelines apply when using a fire extinguisher:
· Activate a fire alarm prior to using a fire extinguisher.
· Always position yourself with an exit or means of escape at your back before you attempt to use an extinguisher to put out a fire.
· If the fire is producing large amounts of smoke that you would inhale in order to fight it-do not try to extinguish the fire.
· If you are uncomfortable with the situation for any reason, get out and let the fire department fight the fire.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
The easiest way to remember how to fight a fire with a fire extinguisher is to remember the acronym, PASS, which stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.
· PULL the pin at the top of the extinguisher. This allows the handle to be compressed and the extinguisher to be discharged.
· AIM the extinguisher nozzle toward the base of the fire. You should be 6-8 feet from the fire.
· SQUEEZE the handle to discharge the extinguisher. Releasing the handle causes the discharge to stop.
· SWEEP from side to side, beginning from a safe distance from the fire and move slowly forward.
B. Fire Hoses
Fire hoses are located in many University buildings. Fire hoses should only be used be qualified personnel. Students and visitors should not use fire hoses to fight a fire. Vandalism, tampering, or discharging a fire hose is prohibited.
C. Fire Hydrants
Fire hydrants are located throughout the Campus. Hydrants should only be operated by the fire department or authorized personnel. Vandalism, tampering, or unauthorized operation of a fire hydrant is prohibited.
Fire Drills
A. Fire Drills in Non-Residence Buildings
Fire drills will be conducted bi-annually in all non-residence buildings equipped with fire alarm systems. Drills will be scheduled for the fall and spring semesters. Public Safety personnel will run fire drills.
B. Fire Drills in Residence Halls
Fire Drills will be conducted monthly in residence halls when school is in session. The residence hall fire marshal will contact Public Safety to schedule any fire drills.
C. Fire Drills in Special Use Areas
Fire drills in special use areas such as Siler Children’s Learning Center will be conducted in accordance with required regulations.
Building Evacuation Procedures
Evacuation routes are posted in rooms and corridors in all campus buildings. Know the location of fire extinguishers, fire exits, and alarm systems in your area and know how to use them. Training and information is available through the University Safety Office by calling extension 2009. Become familiar with at least two emergency exits in buildings you frequent.
Every academic building and residence hall on campus is equipped with a fire alarm system. Fire drills are conducted on a regular basis in all campus buildings. Evacuation is required whenever the fire alarm system is activated. Never assume that an alarm is false. Upon hearing the fire alarm:
q Close the window in your room or office.
q Walk quickly to the nearest exit, closing room and stairwell doors as you leave (do not lock doors). Closing doors helps confine the fire and reduce oxygen.
q Alert others as you leave.
q Activate the fire alarm as you leave the building.
q Notify Public Safety at extension 2111 from another location or dial 9-911 from on campus.
q Do not use the elevators during a fire. Smoke is the greatest danger in a fire, so stay near the floor where the air will be less toxic.
q Once outside, move to a clear area at least 100 feet away from the affected building. Keep streets, fire lanes, hydrants and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.
q If requested, assist emergency crews as necessary.
q Do not return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by an authorized University official.
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 rescue crews. If there is no window, stay near the floor where the air will be less toxic. Shout at regular intervals to alert emergency crews of your location. Do not panic.
Evacuation of Persons with a Disability
If you are disabled and are unable to evacuate an area quickly or use stairs the University encourages you to register with the Office of Disability Support Services at extension 2095 prior to an emergency evacuation to discuss accommodations and to establish an evacuation plan. Advanced planning is the best way to ensure your safety. General evacuation procedures for persons with disabilities are:
q Go to the nearest stairway and wait on the landing with someone who is able to assist you. Ideally, this person should be a predesignated volunteer assistant. Stairway walls and doors are specially designed to protect you from fire and smoke.
q If it is not possible to go to a stairway, remain in your room or office and keep the door closed. Attempt to call Public Safety. If this is not possible, hang a shirt or towel out the window as a signal for help.
q Ask others leaving the building to inform Public Safety of your location and that you need assistance. Public Safety will either initiate a rescue immediately or will notify responding firefighters of the need to immediately initiate a rescue.
q In the case of imminent danger, where evacuation cannot be delayed, solicit the assistance of others in the area to carry or help you from the building in the best and fastest manner possible.
Fire Safety in Residence Halls
Fire is one of the deadlier hazards that threaten student safety. Clarion University is committed to providing a safe environment for students living on campus. In accordance with this commitment the University has adopted the following residence hall fire safety policies:
· Any known or suspected fire, activated fire alarm, or sprinkler activation must be immediately reported to Public Safety.
· It will be the responsibility of Public Safety to contact the fire department. Student residents or residence life staff should not call the fire department unless they are unable to contact Public Safety.
·
All student residents must immediately evacuate the residence hall upon activation of a fire
alarm. Failure to evacuate will result in disciplinary and possible judicial
actions.
·
Each residence hall should have a designated evacuation
area plus an indoor alternative in case of inclement weather or long
evacuations. Upon evacuation of the residence hall, all student residents will
report to their designated assembly area. Students will remain in this area
until advised otherwise by residence life staff or Public Safety.
·
Upon emergency evacuation of a residence hall, student
residents must never reenter the building without direct authorization from the
fire department or Public Safety.
·
When the fire department has been summoned to a fire
incident scene, the highest-ranking fire department official is in command of
the scene.
·
Fire drills will to be performed monthly when the
residence hall is occupied. Students are required to cooperate during these
drills and must evacuate the building immediately when an alarm is activated.
Failure to evacuate will result in disciplinary measures.
·
Any student participating in the illegal setting of a
fire in or near a residence hall will be criminally prosecuted to the full
extent of the law.
·
Any student who maliciously activates a fire alarm in a
residence hall will face disciplinary measures and possible criminal
prosecution.
·
Any student who vandalizes any fire detection, alarm,
or suppression devices will face disciplinary actions.
·
Any student who inappropriately discharges a building
fire extinguisher will face disciplinary action.
·
Students with information or knowledge about persons
who are misusing or vandalizing fire safety equipment or are causing a fire to
be set should notify residence life staff or Public Safety immediately.
·
Students who find vandalized or defective fire
detection, alarm, or suppression equipment should immediately notify residence life staff and Public Safety.
·
Students should not engage in any inappropriate
activity or “horseplay” that may cause fire safety equipment to be accidentally
damaged, particularly in buildings with sprinkler systems.
·
Storage of flammable liquids and gases in a residence
hall is prohibited. Examples of prohibited items include gasoline, kerosene,
and liquid propane.
·
Open flame devices such as candles, lanterns, tiki
lamps, oil lamps, incense, torches, etc. are absolutely prohibited in residence halls.
RA's receive training for fire extinguisher operations
Fire safety educational programming is available through the University Public Safety Department, To request a program or training, contact the University Safety Inspector, John Massa, at 814-393-2009 or mailto:jmassa@clarion.edu.
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