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.
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