In Case of Fire

If you discover fire, smoke, or hear the fire alarm:

• Leave the building immediately via the stairs. DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS.
• As you leave close all doors, including those propped open.
• On your way out, you will pass a fire alarm pull station. If the alarm is not already ringing, PULL IT.
• Once outside, get away from the building.
• Building Manager should call the University Police Department (Tucson Fire Department (9-1-1) for off-campus locations) and report the details of the fire: UAPD: 621-8273 or 9-1-1
• Remain outside the building until the "ALL CLEAR" is given by the Tucson Fire Department or UAPD. Silencing of the alarms does not constitute an "ALL CLEAR."

Information regarding Evacuation of Mobility Impaired Persons.

Links:
UAPD
Tucson Fire Department
Fire Safety 101
Burntalk

Candles, Open Flames, Pyrotechnics and Other Heat Sources

Use of candles, open flames, and any other form of burning are prohibited in all university buildings and on university grounds. (Exceptions: Authorized "hot work" by qualified maintenance, authorized theatrical productions, laboratories and authorized one-time events). Any exceptions granted may be subject to the approval of the Arizona State Fire Marshal.

Use of any type of heat generating product or equipment must be utilized as recommended by the manufacturer.

A permit for Use of Open Flame/Pyrotechnics (Word format) must be completely filled out and submitted to Risk Management and Safety.

Arizona State Fire Marshal

The office of the Arizona State Fire Marshal sets the standards for fire safety at all of the state's universities. The fire marshal inspects all of the buildings that belong to the University of Arizona on a regular basis to assure compliance with fire codes. Building plans for new construction require the approval of the office of the state fire marshal before construction can begin. The office of the state fire marshal in Tucson can be reached at 628-6920.

Fire Alarm Systems

Almost every building on the campus of the University of Arizona has a fire alarm system. A fire alarm system consists of the following components:

• Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP)
• Initiation Devices (Smoke Detectors, Heat Detectors, Pull Stations, etc.)
• Notification Devices (Bells, Horns, Strobes, etc.)

When an initiation device is activated, the FACP switches on the notification devices to alert the building occupants.

All of the fire alarm panels on the campus of the University of Arizona are part of a large computer network. The network controller is located at the office of the University of Arizona Police Department. The network controller scans all of the FACP's on the campus (over one hundred of them) every three seconds to check for alarms.

When an alarm occurs in a university building, the network controller will be notified within 3 seconds. A computer screen at the office of UAPD will display the name of the building along with other pertinent information about the location of the alarm. UAPD then notifies the Tucson Fire department (TFD). TFD can respond to a call at the main campus within 4 to 6 minutes.

The Office of Risk Management and UAPD work closely with the Tucson Fire Department to assure that the responding fire fighters get to the correct building in a timely manner.

Link: NFPA

Fire Sprinkler Systems

Henry S. Parmalee invented fire sprinklers in 1874 to protect his piano factory. Fire sprinklers today utilize the same basic principles. Sprinkler heads are distributed throughout a building in a manner dictated by the fire codes. The sprinklers are connected to a system of pipes filled with high pressure water.

Sprinklers are rated at specific temperatures. When the heat of a fire reaches the operating temperature of the sprinkler, the heat destroys a heat sensitive device on the sprinkler, allowing the water to escape. The pressurized water then sprays directly over the heat source.

Sprinkler systems can communicate with the fire alarm system with a device called a flow switch. When water flows through sprinkler pipes, it is usually because a sprinkler has been activated. The flow switch senses the water flowing through the pipe and activates the fire alarm system. Most of the buildings at the University of Arizona have sprinkler systems. The office of the Arizona State Fire Marshal requires that sprinkler systems be tested semiannually.

Link: National Fire Sprinkler Association

Portable Fire Extinguishers

When should you attempt to fight a fire with a portable fire extinguisher?

• If you are trained
• If you are capable
• If you are willing
• If a fully charged fire extinguisher is available
• If the fire has already been reported
• If you can fight the fire safely
• If you have a clear exit path behind you

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard #10 establishes the criteria for portable fire extinguishers. NFPA categorizes fires into the following categories:

• Class A – Fires in materials such as paper, wood, cloth and certain plastics
• Class B – Fires in flammable liquids and flammable gases.
• Class C – Fires that involve energized electrical equipment.
• Class D – Fires in combustible metals such as magnesium and titanium.
• Class K – Fires in cooking appliances that use large quantities of combustible cooking oils.

There are five basic types of portable fire extinguishers, each is designed to extinguish a specific type of fire, A, B, C, D or K. The type of fire that an extinguisher is designed to suppress is listed on the label of the extinguisher. Newer fire extinguishers also use pictures on their labels to show what kinds of fires they are effective on.

Many extinguishers have multiclass ratings. An extinguisher rated ABC is designed to suppress A, B, and C fires. Besides the alphabetical rating, Class A and Class B portable fire extinguishers also have a numerical rating. This numerical rating describes the extinguishing potential of a given size extinguisher.

Most of the portable fire extinguishers found on the campus of the University of Arizona are rated ABC and contain a dry chemical fire extinguishing agent. Some of the laboratories on campus have extinguishers rated BC and may contain carbon dioxide as the extinguishing agent.

Fighting a fire with a portable fire extinguisher is NOT in the job description of most employees at the University of Arizona. If you choose to fight a fire with a portable fire extinguisher, remember the following steps:

• Call 9-1-1 or activate a fire alarm pull station.
• Grab the fire extinguisher, if it is in a cabinet with a glass window, use a heavy object to break the glass, DO NOT USE YOUR BARE HAND.
• Remember P.A.S.S.
  • P - Pull the pin on the extinguisher handle.
  • A - Aim the nozzle towards the base of the flame.
  • S - Squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent.
  • S - Sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire.

The Department of Risk Management and Safety at the University of Arizona offers training to employees on the use of portable fire extinguishers. Contact Frank Perez at fsperez@email.arizona.edu for more information.

Link: OSHA

Space Heaters

The University of Arizona recognizes that individuals have different levels of comfort associated with temperature and heat. The use of electric space heaters as a temporary measure is permitted in limited applications. Heaters may not be used in areas where flammable liquids are in use or storage. Space heaters are not allowed in Residence Halls. Only space heaters meeting the following criteria are permitted:

• The heater must be electrically powered and listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or approved by Factory Mutual (FM). Tags or labels indicating the device has been tested and approved by either of these agencies can be found on the electrical cord or die stamped on the heater itself. Fuel powered (propane, kerosene) space heaters are not permitted.
• The heater must have a thermostat for heat regulation. The heater's thermostat will sense that the area has reached a certain temperature and reduce heating until the temperature in the area drops (very much like the thermostat in your house). Heaters without this feature (with simple "on/off" or "high/low" switches) continue to heat without any regulation and can easily cause fires.
• Approved heaters must be fan driven. Space heaters with heated metal coils are not permitted. A guard or screen must cover the heating element.
• Space heaters must have a tip-over shutdown feature. If the heater is knocked over, the unit must automatically shut off.

Approved space heaters may be used only if the following conditions are met:

• The heater may only be located on the floor. Heaters located on filing cabinets, tables, desks or equipment are more susceptible to being knocked over, resulting in accidents or fires. Never place anything on top of a space heater.
• At least 3 feet of clearance must be maintained around the heater at all times. Combustible materials like paper, plastic, and cloth must be kept away from the heater.
• Electric cords must be kept out of foot traffic paths to prevent tripping. Electric extension cords are not allowed. Heaters must be plugged directly into a wall receptacle.
• The heater must be unplugged (not just turned off) any time the room or area being heated is unoccupied, especially at the end of the workday.

The Department of Risk Management and Safety reserves the right to inspect and approve or reject any space heater that creates a hazard or is inappropriate to a particular location based on specific circumstances and/or fire safety code requirements.

Americans with Disabilities Act

The University of Arizona is sensitive to the needs of people with disabilities. New buildings and renovations to existing buildings are designed to comply with the requirements of the American with Disabilities Act. Fire alarm systems on campus are designed to be accessible.

Link: Americans With Disabilities Act Guideline