Cedarville University

http://www.cedarville.edu/departments/cps/fire.htm

Cedarville University

Fire/Explosion Procedures - Academic/Business/Service



Purpose

To provide a written emergency action plan to ensure the safety of all persons occupying academic/administrative buildings on campus.

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Definition

Any condition involving evidence of fire, smoke or impending explosion. This would include the sighting of smoke or fire, odorous evidence of burning, or concentrations of flammable gases.

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Application

These procedures apply to all academic/administrative, assembly, business and industrial/maintenance occupancies on campus. Resident Hall fire procedures are covered under a separate document.

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Procedures

  1. Activate fire pull alarm station. If you are in a building that does not have an alarm system, warn the other occupants by knocking on doors and shouting as you leave.*
  2. Notify 911 immediately and contact Campus Safety (at least one person needs to ensure that this has been accomplished). Give exact location and nature of situation.
  3. Confine the fire by closing all doors in the area and rescue anyone in immediate danger only if you can do so safely.
  4. Evacuate the building via the nearest exit, in a controlled yet rapid manner. All persons are to utilize stairs, not elevators during a fire alert situation. Walk to the outside of the building at a distance of at least 50 - 100 feet, keeping the main building egress clear for in- coming emergency vehicles. This applies to all occupants; including faculty, staff, visitors, contractors, vendors, etc.
  5. Remain outside until the local Fire Department and Campus Safety arrive to assess the situation, which includes a search of the building for any remaining occupants. Approval to return to the building is subject to authorization by the Fire Chief.

If you are in a building and a fire alarm sounds automatically,follow steps 2 through 5 even if none of the conditions outlined under "definition" do not appear to exist.

*Note: Certain buildings on campus do not have fire alarm systems, these include: Collins, Patterson Hall, Ambassador Hall, Fine Arts, Tibbets, West Hall, WCDR & Human Resource Center.

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Additional Procedures

  1. In situations where the building alarm system is being serviced, every attempt will be made in advance to notify the occupants. In such cases, evacuation is not necessary.
  2. Fire Extinguishers are available in each building. They should be used only on small, easily controlled fires. In addition, the correct extinguisher must be used for the class fire encountered, for example: CLASS A: Ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics. CLASS B: Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease, tar, oil- based paint, lacquer, and flammable gas. CLASS C: Energized electrical equipment including wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery, and appliances. Cedarville University buildings utilize three (3) basic types of fire extinguishers: 1) the A-B-C: models, which are "multipurpose", labeled for use on all three classes of fire. 2) the B-C: models, used primarily for B-C class fires, however they can be used on class A fires if necessary. 3) the A: models* to be used only on A class fires.*WARNING: It is dangerous to use water or an extinguisher labeled
    only for Class A fires on grease or electrical fire.
  3. Treat all alarms as if a real fire exists in the building and follow procedures accordingly. Depending on the building, it may not be equipped with a Fire Alarm system. Refer to the note at the bottom of "fire procedures." It is imperative that someone ensure that 911 and Campus Safety are contacted for all fire alert situations.

    4. Buildings with fire alarm systems connected to automatic notification devices designed to contact the Fire Department when an alarm is activated

    Alford Auditorium & Annex
    Apple Technical Resource Center
    Callan Athletic Center
    Founders
    Library
    Dixon Ministry Center
    Eng./Nursing/Sc. Center     		Milner
    Fitness/Rec. Center Service Center
    Steven's Student Center
    Williams Hall
    Tyler Digital Communications Center

  4. The local Fire Department and Emergency Medical Squad officials will handle any rescue and/or medical services needed at the scene. The university EMS will assist as needed.
  5. Any critical plant operations will be handled by university physical plant personnel in conjunction with the local Fire Department.
  6. Campus Safety can be reached on a 24 hour-a-day basis in an Emergency situation, including fire by dialing 999.
  7. Questions regarding "Emergency Procedures for Fire/Explosion" should be directed to the Campus Safety Department.

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Prevention

  1. Hazardous accumulations of combustible waste materials must be controlled, to prevent the fast developing of fire, rapid spread of toxic smoke, orexplosion. Such materials include: oily rags, large accumulations of waste paper or corrugated boxes, etc. These materials should be discarded routinely to eliminate stock piling.
  2. Fire Extinguishers must be visible and easily accessible to all persons.
  3. Corridors, aisles, passageways and exits must be clear of obstructions which would impede the flow of traffic. Storage rooms must have at least 18" of clearance from the ceiling to the highest point of storage.
  4. Stairwells must not be used for storage purposes.
  5. Electrical panels must have at least 3 feet of clearance around them and be fully accessible.
  6. Use of candles, incense, potpourri, kerosene lanterns or lamps, or any open flame is not permissible without the express approval of the Campus Safety Department.
  7. Use of portable heaters are restricted to those issued by the Physical Plant Department or approved by the Campus Safety Department.
  8. All extension cords must have surge protection and electrical appliances must be UL approved. Cords must not be placed through windows or doorways. Extension cords must not be interconnected.

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Campus Safety Procedures

  1. Officer-in-charge (OIC) ensures that Cedarville Fire and Police Departments have been contacted.
  2. Notifies Director of Campus Safety.
  3. If the situation requires, notifies Director of Physical Plant and/or other appropriate university personnel.
  4. Cordons off affected area/building.
  5. Establishes command post at appropriate location.
  6. Directs authorized responders to scene via safest and most direct route.
  7. Contacts University & Town Ambulance Squad via 911 if casualties are reported or anticipated.
  8. Resets fire alarm system.

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Fire Chief

  1. Assumes over-all responsibility on arrival at scene.
  2. Calls "ALL CLEAR" if building can be reoccupied.

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Director of Campus Safety/Plant Operations

  1. With counsel from the Fire Chief, determines the feasibility of continued use of affected building.
  2. Notifies appropriate Administrative staff if building cannot be reoccupied.

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Administration

  1. Makes decision to relocate faculty/staff and students to alternate classrooms and offices, if necessary.

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Issued by:
Douglas W. Chisholm
Director of Campus Safety
Effective date:1/1993 Revision dates: 6/1994, 8/1998, 7/1999, 1/2000, 1/2004