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Fire Safety Manual
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Introduction
The Fire Safety Branch in the
Office of Risk Management (O.R.M.) Department at Southern Methodist University, administers the
fire prevention and life safety inspection programs. This includes training
of employees in fire prevention techniques, inspection and testing of systems
to insure that they are operating properly (in some situations, this many be
contracted out to a fire inspection service), and the investigation of fire
situations to insure non-reoccurrence. EH&S should be involved in all new
building construction and renovations to
ensure compliance with applicable state, local, and national fire and life
safety standards and computability with campus fire safety program, and recommend
standards and policies to reduce vulnerability to fires.
Fire prevention guidelines are established in this document to reduce the incidence of fires by eliminating opportunities for ignition of flammable materials and recommending practices that are conducive to a fire free environment.
Fire Extinguishers
A portable fire extinguisher is a "first aid" device and is very effective when used while the fire is small. The use of fire extinguisher that matches the class of fire, by a person who is well trained, can save both lives and property. Portable fire extinguishers must be installed in workplaces regardless of other fire fighting measures. The successful performance of a fire extinguisher in a fire situation largely depends on its proper selection, inspection, maintenance, and distribution.
Classification of Fires and Selection of Extinguishers
Fires are classified into four general categories depending on the type of material or fuel involved. The type of fire determines the type of extinguisher that should be used to extinguish it.
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Class A fires involve materials such as wood, paper, and cloth which produce glowing embers or char.
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Class B fires involve flammable gases, liquids, and greases, including gasoline and most hydrocarbon liquids which must be vaporized for combustion to occur.
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Class C fires involve fires in live electrical equipment or in materials near electrically powered equipment.
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Class D fires involve combustible metals, such as magnesium, zirconium, potassium, and sodium.
Extinguishers will be selected according to the potential fire hazard, the construction and occupancy of facilities, the asset to be protected, and other factors pertinent to the situation.
Extinguisher Use
No one at SMU is required to fight a fire as a part of his or her fire responsibility.
However, voluntary use of a fire extinguisher by an employee who is properly
trained can save both lives and extensive property loss.
RMEHS provides formal training on fire extinguisher use. For more information about course dates or to set up a course for your department, contact James Oravsky at ext. 4203. A schedule of upcoming classes is available in the RMEHS newsletter, "The Safety Pen."
Location and Marking of Extinguishers
Extinguishers will be conspicuously located, easily identified, and readily accessible for immediate use in the event of fire. They will be located along normal paths of travel and egress. Wall recesses and/or flush-mounted brackets will be used as extinguisher locations whenever possible. In most cases extinguishers will be located in hallways or in common areas and not in rooms. They shall be placed just outside of a room and allow accessibility to the room occupants as well as other occupants of the building.
Extinguishers should not be stored in locked rooms or offices. Individuals or departments that wish to have fire extinguishers installed in a restricted access area (office, lab, etc.) will be held fiscally responsible for the installation, service, and repair of the unit, as coordinated by EH&S.
Extinguishers will be clearly visible. In locations where visual obstruction cannot be completely avoided, directional arrows will be provided to indicate the location of extinguishers.
Extinguisher classification markings will be located on the front of the shell above or below the extinguisher nameplate.
Condition
Portable extinguishers will be maintained in a fully charged and operable condition. They will be kept in their designated locations at all times when not being used. When extinguishers are removed for maintenance or testing, a fully charged and operable replacement unit will be provided.
Mounting and Distribution of Extinguishers
Extinguishers will be installed on hangers, brackets, or in cabinets. Extinguishers having a gross weight not exceeding 40 pounds will be so installed that the top of the extinguisher is not more than 3-1/2 feet above the floor.
Extinguishers mounted in cabinets or wall recesses will be placed so that the extinguisher operating instructions face outward. The location of such extinguishers will be made conspicuous by marking the cabinet or wall recess in a contrasting color which will distinguish it from the normal decor.
Extinguishers must be distributed in such a way that the amount of time needed to travel to their location and back to the fire does not allow the fire to get out of control. OSHA requires that the travel distance for Class A and Class D extinguishers not exceed 75 feet. The maximum travel distance for Class B extinguishers is 50 feet because flammable liquid fires can get out of control faster that Class A fires. There is no maximum travel distance specified for Class C extinguishers, but they must be distributed on the basis of appropriate patterns for Class A and B hazards. It is required that no extinguisher have a travel distance more than 75 feet.
Inspection and Maintenance
Fire extinguishers must be inspected monthly by the building manager or his/her
designee. This inspection should include a visual check of the hose (not cracked),
the pressure gage (in the green area), the container (not damaged or dented),
and the location (is the unit missing). This requires an inventory of the extinguishers
assigned to the building to be used as a check list. A form listing all fire
extinguishers by location for the purpose of conduction the monthly inspection
will be provided by the Environmental Health & Safety Department. Any discrepancies
must be reported immediately to EH&S (214-768- 4203).
In addition, the Office of Environmental Health & Safety will periodically check each unit to insure its operation. An inspection will also be made once a year by EH&S to insure that all units are in the proper location, that they have been inspected monthly, and that they are in working condition.
Once an extinguisher is selected, purchased, and installed, it is the responsibility of the Environmental Health & Safety Office to oversee the inspection, maintenance, and testing of fire extinguishers to ensure that they are in proper working condition and have not been tampered with or physically damaged.
Additional Fire Extinguishers for a Special Event
Contact James Oravsky to obtain additional Fire Extinguishers. Training on the use of Fire Extinguishers must be completed prior to the special event. RMEHS offers formal Fire Safety and Fire Extinguisher training through out the year. A schedule of upcoming classes is available on our training schedule web page. For more information, or to set up a class, please contact James Oravsky.
Fire Safety Inspections/Housekeeping
The Building Manager and Safety Committees are responsible for conducting work site surveys at least annually. These surveys should include observations of work site safety and housekeeping issues and should specifically address proper storage of chemicals and supplies, unobstructed access to fire extinguishers, and emergency evacuation routes. Also, they should determine if an emergency evacuation plan is present in work areas and that personnel are familiar with the plan.
In addition, fire inspections will be conducted on a random basis by a State certified Fire Inspector. All deficiencies noted during these inspections should be brought to the attention of the Environmental Health & Safety Department immediately and a plan of action developed jointly to correct the deficiency.
Emergency Egress
Every exit will be clearly visible, or the route to it conspicuously identified in such a manner that every occupant of the building will readily know the direction of escape from any point. At no time will exits be blocked.
Any doorway or passageway which is not an exit or access to an exit but which may be mistaken for an exit, will be identified by a sign reading "Not An Exit" or a sign indicating it actual use (i.e., "Storeroom"). Exits and accesses to exits will be marked by a readily visible sign. Each exit sign (other than internally illuminated signs) will be illuminated by a reliable light source.
Occupant Emergency Plan for Persons with Disabilities
The department supervisor is assigned the responsibility of developing a
plan to assist Persons with Disabilities under their supervision. This plan
should enlist the input of the disabled person. The plan should take into consideration
the building, the work location, the type of disability, assistance needed,
and the availability of assistance. No one is required to endanger him/herself
in order to effect or assist with the evacuation of others, but everyone has
the duty to ensure that other occupants are aware of the emergency. Similarly,
it is expected that individuals will aid anyone requiring assistance to safely
evacuate.
Other options to physically carrying a mobility impaired person are:
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"Areas of Refuge " can be identified or created in buildings where they are needed. These areas should have a solid door, a telephone, and a window accessible to outside extraction. In emergency situations, fire fighters should be notified of persons in these rooms.
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These rooms can be identified by a disabled symbol on the window of the room.
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Where no such room is available the person can be pushed to the landing of the stairwell and the fire fighters notified of the person’s location.
Note: Some individuals, confined to a wheelchair, can be injured by being lifted or carried by an untrained person.
Supervisors, volunteers, and the person with a disability should practice the plan using available escape routes and methods of extraction. Visitors who have disabilities will be assisted in a manner similar to that of SMU employees. The Host of the person with disabilities will coordinate/assist in their evacuation.
Emergencies Involving Fire
In the event of a fire emergency, a fire alarm will sound for the building. Some buildings do not have audible fire alarms. A plan to alert the occupants of the need to evacuate should be developed.
Fire Doors Fire doors are safety devices that help contain fires and keep them from growing out of control. Because of this all fire doors should not be propped open at any time. Fire doors can remain open only if they are specifically designed to close when a fire alarm is triggered.
Emergency Evacuation Exercises (Fire Drills)
Periodic fire/evacuation exercises are conducted in all occupied SMU buildings. Every SMU faculty, staff, and student is expected to exit the building and remain outside until the drill is completed. This is a safe opportunity to test the building emergency plan, insure that the fire alarm is working properly, and allows every employee a chance to experience the procedures.
Each facility shall have an emergency evacuation plan.
Should evacuation be necessary, go to the nearest exit or stairway and proceed to a predesignated meeting area outside the building. Most stairways are fire resistant and present barriers to smoke if the doors are kept closed.
Do not use elevators. Should the fire involve the control panel of the elevator or the electrical system of the building, power in the building may be cut and you could be trapped between floors. Also, the elevator shaft can become a flue, lending itself to the passage and accumulation of hot gases and smoke generated by the fire.
If you discover a fire:
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Activate the nearest fire alarm.
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Notify the Department of Public Safety by dialing 911. Give your location, the nature of the fire, the location of the fire, and your name.
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If no fire alarm system exists in the building, verbally sound the alarm as you exit the building.
Fight the fire with a fire extinguisher ONLY if:
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The fire department has been notified of the fire, AND
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The fire is small and confined to its area of origin, AND
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You have a way out and can fight the fire with your back to the exit, AND
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You have the proper extinguisher, in good working order, AND
- You know how to use it.
If your are not sure of your ability or the fire extinguisher's capacity to contain the fire, get out and leave the fire fighting to the experts.
If you hear a fire alarm or call to evacuate:
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Evacuate the area. Close windows, turn off gas jets, and close doors as you leave.
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Leave the building and move away from exits and out of the way of emergency operations.
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Assemble in a designated area.
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Report to the supervisor so he/she can determine that all personnel have evacuated your area.
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Remain outside until competent authority (Fire Department of the Department of Public Safety) states that it is safe to re-enter.
Evacuation Routes
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Learn at least two escape routes, and emergency exits from your area.
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Never use an elevator as part of your escape route.
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Learn to activate a fire alarm.
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Learn to recognize alarm sounds.
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Take an active part in fire evacuation drills.
Storage
All storage rooms must be maintained in an orderly manner. Stored combustible
materials should be kept to a minimum. This means the following good housekeeping
practices must be employed:
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Loose storage (paper, books, or files) must be kept off floors and either put into boxes or stacked in an organized manner on shelves.
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Aisles, at least 24" wide, must be maintained to access storage and must be clear and free of tripping hazards at all times. These aisles will also act a route of escape in an emergency.
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Storage may not be stacked within 18" of a sprinkler head in areas that are protected by an automatic sprinkler system. In areas not protected by sprinklers storage must be 24 inches from the ceiling.
Open Flames
Because of the Risk involved, it is the policy that there be no open flames
in any SMU owned or operated buildings. This includes candles, burning incense,
kerosene lamps, oil lamps or other devices that emit any kind of flame.
There are several exceptions. They are:
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Welding or brazing devices will be permitted only by completion of a "Hot Work Permit"' with the project under the supervision of the appropriate SMU Manager, and compliance with SMU's restrictions.
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The limited use of lighters and other flame emitting devices after satisfactory proof that fire safety guidelines are in place and the approval of the Office of Risk Management and Environmental Health & Safety.
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Scientific devices which are under the constant supervision of the user or a professor in a laboratory environment.
Open Flames are not allowed in any campus building. If a special situation arises, only RMEHS can grant approval for use of open flames in outdoor special events on campus after a review of the event circumstances and the risk involved. No open flames are allowed without approval. This approval process will assure the responsible person is identified, fire watch is present, elimination of fire hazard conditions through a site visit, and appropriate site personnel are familiar with and trained to use local fire equipment and fire emergency conditions.
If an event is planned and use of open flames are being considered, please contact James Oravsky, fire safety representative, at least 30 days prior to the scheduled event.
Fire Works
If you will be using fire works at an event on campus please contact James Oravsky at least 30 - 40 days prior to the scheduled event. You will need to provide the following documents.
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Statement of insurance
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Inventory of fire works intended to be used
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Lay out of the area intended to be used
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ATF License
Open Burns
Open burns are discouraged at Southern Methodist University due to their effect on the environment, the possibility of an uncontrolled situation developing, and their danger to surroundings. Advanced planning and proper notifications will avoid university life, environment, and property losses. If the need arises, please contact James Oravsky before initiating a plan for open burning.
Grilling Regulations
On football gamedays, grilling is allowed on all open, paved surface lots
south of Daniel Avenue and on The Boulevard. Before you fire up the grill,
please note the following grilling guidelines:
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Electric and propane/butane grills can be used in all tailgate areas.
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Charcoal grills are permitted only on the Boulevard.
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Grilling is not allowed in parking garages or within 15 feet of any campus building or under any overhanging part of a campus building.
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Grills are not allowed under tents or awnings.
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For safety reasons, special 55-gallon disposable bins will be provided for safe coal disposal.
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For everyone's safety, fire extinguishers are required when grilling on campus.
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Grilling should cease one-half hour before kickoff.
Electrical Safety
The following good practices must be applied to all electrical appliances/equipment:
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All electrical appliances/equipment must be in good repair and cords and exterior cases must be free of damage.
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All appliances/equipment must be directly plugged into wall outlets or power strips equipped with either a fuse or circuit breaker.
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All building electrical equipment (e.g., circuit breakers, distribution panels, outlets, lights, etc.) must be free from damage and appropriately covered (e.g., wall plates or junction box covers in place, circuit breaker panel doors in place, etc.) and must be accessible (not blocked) at all times.
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All wiring must be routed above the ceiling or housed in conduit below the ceiling.
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Multi-plug adapters are prohibited.
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Extension cords may only be used on a temporary basis.
Space Heaters 
University Policy 4.3.C.4
4. Portable electric heaters are NOT permitted in the buildings. If an area
or a building cannot be maintained with proper temperature limits, a
permanent heater may be installed by the Central Plant. (Portable heaters
waste energy and are inherently a fire hazard.)
Exits
Exits, including main corridors and stairways, shall not be obstructed in any manner and shall remain free of any material that would obstruct the exit or render the exit hazardous.
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All main building corridors must have a minimum 44" clear width maintained at all times.
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Storage may not be located in corridors, even temporarily.
Mechanical Rooms
Mechanical and electrical rooms are not storage rooms. They are only intended to house equipment that supplies services to the building (heating, cooling, electrical distribution, communications, etc.). Access to all equipment must be unimpeded and the spaces must be free of any extraneous material.
Mechanical rooms must be locked at all times. The keys for these areas are under the control of the Physical Plant Department.
Theatrical Productions
No scenery, props, decorations, seating equipment, or other obstructions may be placed in a fashion that would prohibit the automatic fire curtain from dropping completely to the floor of the stage.
No scenery, props, decorations, displays, seating equipment, or packing equipment may be placed so that it in any way obstructs an exit.
Exit lights must be illuminated and visible during any production.
Only non-combustible materials or fire retardant pressure treated wood may be used for stage scenery or props on the audience side of the proscenium arch. Where possible flame retardant materials should be used in set design. Non-flame retardant materials can be treated with flame retardant.
Backdrops, curtains, draperies, decorations and similar furnishings/ materials shall be flame resistant .
The use of pyrotechnics or theatrical smoke must have the approval of the University Park Fire Marshal and the Director of Risk Management.
Flammable and Combustible Materials
Substitution In some instances relatively safe materials may be substituted for flammable liquids in order to reduce the risk of fires. This should be done wherever possible. Any substituted material should be stable and nontoxic and should either be nonflammable or have a high flashpoint.
Flammable and combustible liquids require careful handling at all times. The proper storage of flammable liquids within a work area is very important in order to protect personnel from fire and other safety and health hazards.
Table 1. Maximum allowable capacity of containers and portable tanks
Flammable ... Combustible Liquids ... Liquids
| Container Type | IA | IB | IC | II | III |
| Glass or approved plastic | 1 pt. | 1 qt. | 1 gal. | 1 gal. | 1 gal. |
| Metal (Other than DOT drums) | 1 gal. | 5 gal. | 5 gal. | 5 gal. | 5 gal. |
| Safety Cans | 2 gal. | 5 gal. | 5 gal. | 5 gal. | 5 gal. |
| Metal drums (DOT specs) | 60 gal. | 60 gal. | 60 gal. | 60 gal. | 60 gal. |
| Approved portable tanks | 660 gal. | 660 gal. | 660 gal. | 660 gal. | 660 gal. |
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Nearest metric size is also acceptable for the glass and plastic
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One gallon or nearest metric equivalent size may be used if metal and labeled with their contents.
Definitions
"Flashpoint" means the minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off vapor within a test vessel in sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture with the air near the surface of the liquid.
"Combustible liquid" means any liquid having a flashpoint at or above 100 degreesFahrenheit. This includes Class II and Class III liquids.
"Flammable liquid" means any liquid having a flashpoint below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This includes class I liquids.
"Class IA" shall include liquids having flashpoints below 73 degrees Fahrenheit and having a boiling point below 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
"Class IB" shall include liquids having flashpoints below 73 degrees Fahrenheit and having a boiling point at or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
"Class IC" shall include liquids having flashpoints at or above 73 degrees Fahrenheit and below 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
"Class II liquid" shall include those with flashpoints at or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit and below 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
"Class III liquids" shall include those with flash points at or above 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cabinets
Not more than 120 gallons of Class I, Class II, and Class IIIA liquids may be stored in a storage cabinet. Of this total, not more than 60 gallons may be Class I and II liquids. Not more than three such cabinets (120 gallons each) may be located in a single fire area except in an industrial area.
Containers
The capacity of flammable and combustible liquid containers will be in accordance with Table 1.
Storage Inside Buildings
Where approved storage cabinets or rooms are not provided, inside storage will comply with the following basic conditions:
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The storage of any flammable or combustible liquid shall not physically obstruct a means of egress from the building or area.
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Containers of flammable or combustible liquids will remain tightly sealed except when transferred, poured or applied. Remove only that portion of liquid in the storage container required to accomplish a particular job.
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If a flammable and combustible liquid storage building is used, it will be a one-story building devoted principally to the handling and storing of flammable or combustible liquids. The building will have 2-hour fire-rated exterior walls having no opening within 10 feet of such storage.
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Flammable paints, oils, and varnishes in 1 or 5 gallon containers, used for building maintenance purposes, may be stored temporarily in closed containers outside approved storage cabinets or room if kept at the job site for less than 10 calendar days.
Ventilation
Every inside storage room will be provided with a continuous mechanical exhaust ventilation system. To prevent the accumulation of vapors, the location of both the makeup and exhaust air openings will be arranged to provide, as far as practical, air movement directly to the exterior of the building and if ducts are used, they will not be used for any other purpose.
Elimination of Ignition Sources
All nonessential ignition sources must be eliminated where flammable liquids are used or stored. The following is a list of some of the more common potential ignition sources:
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Open flames, such as cutting and welding torches, furnaces, matches, and heaters-these sources should be kept away from flammable liquids operations.
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Cutting or welding on flammable liquids equipment should not be performed unless the equipment has been properly emptied and purged with a neutral gas such as nitrogen.
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Chemical sparks-these sparks can result as a reaction of two or more substances.
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Electrical sources of ignition such as d.c. motors, switched, and circuit breakers-these sources should be eliminated where flammable liquids are handled or stored. Only approved explosion-proof devices should be used in these areas.
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Mechanical sparks-these sparks can be produced as a result of friction. Only non-sparking tools should be used in areas where flammable liquids are stored or handled.
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Static sparks-these sparks can be generated as a result of electron transfer between two contacting surfaces. The electrons can discharge in a small volume, raising the temperature to above the ignition temperature. Every effort should be made to eliminate the possibility of static sparks. Also proper bonding and grounding procedures must be followed when flammable liquids are transferred or transported.
Removal of Incompatibles
Materials that can contribute to a flammable liquid fire should not be stored with flammable liquids. Examples are oxidizers and organic peroxides, which, on decomposition, can generate large amounts of oxygen.
Flammable Gases
Generally, flammable gases pose the same type of fire hazards as flammable liquids and their vapors. Many of the safeguards for flammable liquids also apply to flammable gases, other properties such as toxicity, reactivity, and corrosively also must be taken into account. Also, a gas that is flammable could produce toxic combustion products.
