Fire Safety Guidelines

2 Fire Safety Guidelines Environmental Health and Safety

3 Fire Safety Guidelines Environmental Health and Safety Services Environmental Health and Safety 2408 Wanda Daley Drive | (515) 294-5359 Iowa State University Occupational Medicine Department G11 Technical and Administrative Services Facility (TASF), 2408 Pammel Drive | (515) 294-2056 McFarland Clinic PC, Occupational Medicine 1018 Duff Avenue | (515) 239-4496 Thielen Student Health Center 2647 Union Drive | (515) 294-5801 Emergency Emergency - Ambulance, Fire, Police 911 Department of Public Safety/ Iowa State University Police Armory, 2519 Osborn Drive | (515) 294-4428 Mary Greeley Medical Center 1111 Duff Avenue | (515) 239-2011 Non-discrimination Statement “Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 3350 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu”

Fire Safety Guidelines Environmental Health and Safety Table of Contents Directory of Service and Emergency Providers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Non-discrimination Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Fire Safety Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Prepare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Plan Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Evacuation Routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Hazardous Chemical Labeling and Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Fire Doors and Wedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Sprinkler Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Learn to identify sprinkler heads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Protect the heads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Fire Department Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Fire Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Fire Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Hot Work Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Prevent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Flammable and Combustible Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Electrical Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Extension Cords, Outlets, and Surge Protectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Space Heaters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Building Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Electrical panels in hallways and occupied rooms MUST NOT be blocked. . . . . . . . 12 Mechanical Rooms CANNOT be used for general storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Candles and Open Flames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Fireworks, Pyrotechnics, and Flame Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Smoking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Arson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Respond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Emergency Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 In the event of a fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Fire Safety Guidelines Environmental Health and Safety 5 ISU has over 6500 fire extinguishers! The best defense against a fire is prevention Introduction Fire Safety Guidelines The mission of the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) fire safety program is to protect the lives and property of Iowa State University (ISU) faculty, staff, students, and visitors. Our proactive fire prevention program is founded on education, facility oversight, and incident investigation. EH&S provides multiple resources to the ISU community to help fulfill our mission, including: • online and classroom fire safety training • building plan review • inspections of campus spaces for unsafe locations, structures and equipment • investigation of campus fires and identification of fire safety improvements • inspection and maintenance of campus fire extinguishers • Prevention is the best defense against fire. We are all responsible for fire prevention, and each of us must know how to react in a fire emergency in order to protect ourselves and assist others. These guidelines provide critical information to help keep you and your community safe. • Oversees fire safety and prevention programs at ISU, which include identification of fire hazards, enforcing fire prevention rules, fire emergency planning, and fire/incident investigations.

6 Fire Safety Guidelines Environmental Health and Safety Emergency Map Keep stairwells clear for easy exit during a fire. Prepare Plan Ahead Practice what to do in an emergency before one happens. Fire drills should be scheduled to help people prepare for an evacuation. • Know where the nearest fire extinguisher is located and learn how to use it. • Know where the nearest fire alarm pull station is located. • Know the proper evacuation methods for disabled persons. • Know primary and secondary evacuation routes, as well as the location of a safe meeting place by referring to the Emergency Maps for your building. Evacuation Routes Exiting from a building in an emergency is critical. All academic and residential buildings on campus have at least two exits. Planning prior to an emergency should be done so that no time is lost when evacuation is required. The following are critical components for safe exiting: • Know all exits from the building – in an emergency an exit may be blocked and not allow passage. You may be forced to use an alternate exit. • Keep corridors free from obstructions. Storage is not allowed in corridors. Materials can restrict exit width and be fuel for a fire. • Keep stairwells clear – nothing is allowed to be stored in a stairwell. Hazardous Chemical Labeling and Inventory It is critical that responders are able to identify hazardous chemicals in rooms or buildings. Ensure that all chemical containers are labeled and a current inventory has been submitted to EH&S.

7 Fire Safety Guidelines Environmental Health and Safety Fire Doors and Wedges Most buildings at Iowa State University have a number of fire doors to resist the spread of flames and smoke. If used properly, fire doors contain fires and protect exit passages. Fire doors can be identified by a rating plate or the presence of a closing device. • A fire door can be held open with an approved door mechanism that will automatically close the door in the event of a fire. • Never place objects in the swing of a fire door. • Even non-fire-rated doors can help stop the spread of fire and smoke. Close them when leaving at the end of the day, or when evacuating from a fire. • Do not disable the closing device on any door. • Do not hold a fire door open with a wedge, wire, string, or other unapproved methods. • A chair can be used to hold open an office door, but should be closed when leaving the office. • Do not panic if fire doors close when an alarm goes off. This is normal and you can still exit through these doors if they are designated emergency exit routes. Sprinkler Systems Sprinkler systems are an effective method for controlling fires before they grow out of control. It takes as little as 155° to activate a sprinkler and release pressurized water. Only the sprinklers that are directly contacted by high heat from a fire will activate, opening the sprinkler and showering the fire with cooling water. To be effective, the heads must remain undamaged and unobstructed. You can help ensure system operation in the following ways: Learn to identify sprinkler heads • Not all sprinkler heads look alike. • Learn where the sprinkler heads are in your area. • Contact Facilities Planning and Management (FP&M) or Department of Residence (DOR) (depending on location) if you see a damaged or leaking sprinkler head.

8 Fire Safety Guidelines Environmental Health and Safety Types of Fire Extinguishers Ordinary combustibles: wood, paper, rubber, fabrics and many plastics. Class A Flammable liquids & gases: gasoline, oils, paint, lacquer and tar. Class B Live electrical equipment: electrical panels, cords, circuits, switches, wiring, etc. Class C Combustible metals and metal alloys: magnesium, sodium, potassium, powdered aluminum. Class D Fires in cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking media: Vegetable or animal oils and fats. Class K Protect the heads • Do not hang anything on the sprinkler heads or piping. This could cause them to fail in a fire, or break causing undesired flooding. • Do not to block the path of the pre-designed sprinkler spray pattern. Keep all items at least 18 inches below the bottom of all sprinkler heads. Fire Department Connections Fire department connections (FDC’s) connect the fire truck to the building’ssprinkler or standpipesysteminorder tosupplyfiresuppression water to the building. Tampering or blocking a FDC is illegal. Fire Alarm System Every occupied structure at Iowa State has a fire alarm in accordance with code. These systems are inspected, tested, and maintained by trained staff at FP&M and DOR. For problems with fire alarm systems in DOR controlled buildings call (515) 294–3322; for all other buildings call FP&M (515) 294-5100. • Never remove a smoke detector to stop or prevent a nuisance alarm (e.g. from cooking). Use proper ventilation, and take care while cooking to prevent nuisance alarms. • Take every alarm seriously and follow evacuation procedures and audible instructions Fire Extinguishers Fire extinguishers at Iowa State meet regulatory requirements and allow trained employees to attempt to extinguish small fires. EH&S offers hands-on and online training courses covering fire extinguisher use. Fire extinguisher training is required for all university staff on an annual basis. EH&S installs, maintains, and inspects all fire extinguishers on campus. Correct fire extinguishers have been installed based on the hazards in each area. Any extinguisher found to be faulty, discharged or missing must be reported to EH&S at (515) 294-5359 or email. Fire extinguisher use is optional. Prioritize safety when deciding whether to use an extinguisher. Only attempt to use an extinguisher if… • You have been trained. • The fire alarm has been activated and 911 called. • The fire is small and there is a very low amount of smoke. • You have an exit.

9 Fire Safety Guidelines Environmental Health and Safety Remember: • Pull • Aim • Squeeze • Sweep Use the PA S S Method Pull the pin; Use a twisting motion to break the tamper seal, don’t squeeze the handle yet Aim nozzle at the base of the fire; Aim low, don’t aim up at the flames. Squeeze the handle; Make sure the handle is fully depressed Sweep side to side; Start at the front of the fire and sweep side to side towards the back. Remember…time is always of the essence since fire extinguishers have a limited operation time of 8-15 seconds. Fire extinguishers can save lives and property when used on small fires…but only if they are used properly. See the Iowa State University Fire Extinguishers Policy for more information. Hot Work Program The Iowa State University Hot Work Permit Program has been developed to ensure compliance with applicable Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and National Fire Protection Association codes. Hot work operations include, but are not limited to, welding, brazing, torch cutting, and torch soldering. Hot work presents serious fire hazards that ignite thousands of unintentional fires every year. Departments performing hot work activities must designate Permit Authorizing Individuals who will inspect hot work areas for compliance in accordance with the program and issue hot work permits. Employees are responsible for obtaining hot work permits whenever hot work is performed outside of designated hot work areas which have been approved by Environmental Health and Safety. Additional information is available on the EH&S Hot Work Permit Program web page.

10 Fire Safety Guidelines Environmental Health and Safety Prevent Prevention of fires in the workplace is the responsibility of all faculty, students and staff at Iowa State University. Although EH&S, Facilities Planning and Management (FP&M), and other agencies regularly inspect Iowa State University for fire safety, individuals and departments are better suited for identifying and mitigating potential fire hazards in day to day operations. Basic fire prevention involves separating the elements that contribute to combustion. Fuel, heat, and an oxidizer (typically oxygen in air) combine to create a sustained combustion chemical reaction Together, these four elements are represented by the fire tetrahedron. Below are some examples of each. Remember to keep storage of fuel and oxidizers to a minimum and away from the other elements. Always monitor operations to avoid excessive heat. Flammable and Combustible Materials Ignitable liquids generate vapors that burn. Vapors may travel significant distances before reaching a heat source, or build up in an enclosed space and cause an explosion. Minimizing the amount of fuel in your areas, and properly storing materials you have, are two important ways of preventing fires. Ignitable liquids are designated as flammable or combustible, depending on flash point and boiling point. Flammable and combustible materials are further designated as class I or class II. This is important as different storage rules apply to each class. Elements of Combustion • Oxygen • Fuel • Heat • Chemical Reaction

11 Fire Safety Guidelines Environmental Health and Safety Flammable and Combustible Liquid Definitions Class Flash Point Boiling Point Class IA flammable liquid Below 73 degree F (23 degree C) Below 100 degree F (37.8 degree C) Class IB flammable liquid Below 73 degree F (23 degree C) Greater than or equal to 100 degree F (37.8 degree C) Class IC flammable liquid At or above 73 degree F (23 degree C) Below 100 degree F (37.8 degree C) Class II combustible liquid Greater than or equal to 100 degree F (37.8 C) and below 140 degree F (60 degree C) Class IIA combustible liquid Greater than or equal to 140 degree F (60 C) and below 200 degree F (93.3 degree C) Class IIIA combustible liquid Equal to or greater than 200 degree F (93.3 degree C) All flammable and combustible liquids must be stored in approved, sealed containers. Approved containers include the original (factory) container or designated safety can. Whenever possible class I flammable liquids should be stored in approved flammable storage cabinets. A maximum of 10 gallons of Class I may be stored outside of a cabinet per control area. For more information please see the Use and Storage of Flammable and Combustible Liquids web page. Combustible metals require special precautions. Please contact EH&S at (515) 294-5359 or email for guidance if you are using combustible metals. Flash Point The lowest temperature at which a material can vaporize to form an ignitable mixture in air. Boiling Point The temperature at which a given material changes from liquid to gas. Flammable storage cabinet

12 Fire Safety Guidelines Environmental Health and Safety Electrical Safety Electrical sources are common causes of fires, shocks, and burns. Improperly maintained or operated electrical equipment may short, arc, or overheat, creating an ignition point. Extension Cords, Outlets, and Surge Protectors Space Heaters 1.Contact EH&S for a list of approved space heaters. https://www.ehs.iastate.edu/services/fire/fire-prevention/heaters 2.Space heaters should always be plugged directly into an outlet, never into an extension cord or power strip. Building Electrical 1.Electrical panels in hallways and occupied rooms MUST NOT be blocked. 2.Mechanical Rooms CANNOT be used for general storage. 3.Only certified licensed electricians are allowed to do electrical work in any ISU facility. Contact FP&M to schedule work. Extension Cords: • inspect regularly • discard damaged cords • temporary use only (three days or less) Do not block electrical panels.

13 Fire Safety Guidelines Environmental Health and Safety Candles and Open Flames Candles are a common cause of accidental fires, and are not allowed without prior approval. Open flames, whether in a laboratory, kitchen or shop area, must always be attended and kept away from combustible and flammable materials. Approval from EH&S must be obtained whenever working with open flames outside of designated laboratories, kitchens or shop areas. See the Iowa State University Candles and Open Flames Policy for more information. Fireworks, Pyrotechnics, and Flame Effects The use of fireworks, pyrotechnics and flame effects is prohibited on campus unless approved as specified in the Iowa State University Fireworks, Pyrotechnics and Flame Effects Policy. Smoking The ISU campus was designated smoke-free on July 1, 2008. For more information, see the Iowa State University Smoke-Free Campus Policy. Arson Arson fires do not have to be intentional. The illegal use of fireworks maybe considered arson. Arson is one of the leading causes of fire. Arson is defined as the malicious burning of another’s house or property, or in some statutes, the burning of one’s own house or property, as to collect insurance. There are several ways you can prevent arson, including: • Reducing easy targets for supplying fuel for fires. • Maintain proper housekeeping. • Emphasizing security measures / follow building security measures. • Keep unauthorized persons out of offices, laboratories, or other work areas.

Fire Safety Guidelines Environmental Health and Safety 14 Respond Emergency Actions Fire and evacuation alarms alert building occupants to life-threatening situations. LEAVE THE BUILDING IMMEDIATELY IF THERE IS A FIRE OR CHEMICAL ALARM! In the event of a fire Sound the alarm – If a fire has started, no matter how small, activate the alarm system with a fire alarm pull station to alert building occupants. Call 911 – Notify responders. The building alarm should initiate a response, but calling 911 will inform responders there is an actual emergency. You will also be able to provide critical information. Rapid response minimizes loss of life and property. Respond – ONLY IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO! • Extinguish a fire if you have been trained, the fire is small, and you have a safe exit route. However, you are not required to do this – it is always OK to get out. • Shut down hazardous operations such as stills, lab equipment, etc. • Close sash on fume hoods. Exit the building – Leave immediately by the shortest and safest exit route. DO NOT TAKE THE ELEVATOR! • Assist injured or impaired persons if you are able. • Close doors behind you. • Stay low if you encounter smoke. • Refer to your Emergency Map for the nearest exit. • Respond to your meeting place. • Do not re-enter the building until the fire department has cleared the building for re-entry, even if the alarms have been silenced. • Designated Meeting Place – Gather and stay at your designated safe location. Notify supervisors and responders of: • Injured or disabled persons. • Missing or unaccounted personnel. Provide their last known location or places they might be working. • Hazardous operations or areas in the building. In the event of a fire • Sound the alarm • Call 911 • Respond • Exit the building Attempt to use a fire extinguisher only if • It is safe to do so, • The fire is small, and • You are trained. Emergency Map Do not use elevator

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