Fire Emergencies and Emergency Action Planning

If you discover a fire remember E.S.C.A.P.E.:

- Evaluate the situation.
- Secure the immediate area by removing personnel.
- Close doors to the room or area.
- Activate the fire alarm system.
- Phone 55555 downtown, or 865-5200 if uptown, and state the exact location of the fire.
- Extinguish the fire as appropriate.

Remember P.A.S.S. when using a fire extinguisher:

- Pull the pin.
- Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze the handle, and
- Sweep from side to side.

Potential emergencies in University buildings may require the occupants to evacuate the building. The following information and procedures have been designed to help ensure your personal safety, should an evacuation become necessary. In case of a fire emergency (defined as (1) an uncontrolled fire or imminent fire hazard, (2) the presence of smoke or the odor of burning, (3) the uncontrolled release of a flammable or combustible substance, or (4) a fire alarm sounding), TUHSC Police must be notified immediately at 55555. TUHSC Officers will respond and summoning outside assistance when necessary. Unauthorized re-entry into a building during a fire emergency is not permitted. Violators of this policy are subject to University and state fire code sanctions.

Building occupants are not required to fight fires. Individuals who have been trained in the proper use of a fire extinguisher and are confident in their ability to cope with the hazards of a fire may use a portable fire extinguisher to fight small, incipient stage fires (no larger than a waste paper basket). Fire fighting efforts must be terminated when it becomes obvious that there is risk of harm from smoke, heat, flames, or it the fire is spreading in such a way that your exit will be blocked or obstructed by the flames.

If a building fire alarm is sounding or you receive notification of a fire emergency:

- Feel the door or doorknob to the hallway with the back of your hand. If it feels hot, do not open it – the fire may be on the other side of the door. If you are trapped, put a cloth or towel under the door to help prevent the entry of smoke. Dial 55555 and tell the Public Safety dispatcher your location and telephone extension and that you are trapped in the room and need rescue. Stay on the phone until instructed otherwise.

- If the door is not hot, open it slowly. If the hallway is clear of smoke, walk to the nearest fire exit and evacuate via the nearest stairwell to the street/grade level exit.

- Close doors behind you.

- Do not attempt to use elevators. Elevators are tied to the fire detection system and are not available to occupants once the alarm sounds.

- Assemble at the area designated in your departmental Emergency Action Plan and remain there until instructed by TUHSC Police or the fire department that it is safe to re-enter the building.

Fire Extinguishers

The use of fire extinguishers must conform to the following guidelines which are specified by the OSHA standard (29 CFR 1910.157);

1. Portable fire extinguishers suitable to the conditions and hazards involved shall be provided and maintained in an effective operating condition.
2. Portable fire extinguishers shall be conspicuously located and mounted where they will be readily accessible. Extinguishers shall not be obstructed or obscured from view.
3. Portable fire extinguishers shall be given maintenance service at least once a year and a written record shall be maintained. Building Services is responsible for obtaining annual maintenance for the extinguishers.
4. Monthly inspections which entail visually inspecting for broken seals, damage, and low gauge pressure, depending on type of extinguisher, are performed by Building Services personnel. A tag affixed to the extinguisher is initialed by the inspector after each inspection.
5. Employees designated to fight fires must receive training in the general principles of fire extinguisher use and the hazards involved with initial stage fire fighting.

Click here for additional information on the use of fire extinguishers

Fire Prevention

1. Proper housekeeping including the prompt removal of wastes and keeping the work space free of unnecessary combustible materials will help to prevent or reduce the severity of fires.
2. Limited quantities of flammable liquids may be stored in laboratories and shops. Flammable liquid storage cabinets are required where large amounts are present.
3. Storage of combustible materials such as cardboard boxes, etc. should be kept to a minimum.
4. Electrical wiring should be maintained in good condition. Extension cords should be used only for temporary use.
5. The emergency number for TUHSC Police should be posted on every phone.