Version 9.0
The Johns Hopkins Hospital and The Johns Hopkins University
Policy Number
Health, Safety and Environment Manual
Fire Safety:
Last Review Date
Subject
Page
HSE404
09/16/2015
1 of 2
JHH Fire Alarm System
Keywords: Fire, Fire Alarm, Fire Alarm Activation, Fire Safety, JHH Fire Alarm, Response To Fire
Table of Contents
I.
II.
POLICY
REVIEW CYCLE
Page Number
1
2
I. POLICY
A.
B.
C.
•
•
Background
1. The fire alarm system is installed for the express purpose of alerting building occupants and emergency personnel
that a fire has been discovered within the building.
2. When a fire alarm is activated in any one building, the alarm sounds in that building only and does not alert
occupants of another building, with the following exceptions: (Halsted/Osler, CMSC/Hoffberger). If you hear a fire
alarm, the alarm was activated in your building.
a. All alarms are received and recorded by automatic equipment in the telephone operator's office (Centrex) and
the Facilities Maintenance office.
b. Several buildings within the Hospital complex are equipped with a voice message system. Activation of the fire
alarm system sounds a tone over the public address system followed by an announcement instructing occupants
to initiate emergency procedures. If the alarm message is audible, an emergency situation is in effect in this
area.
Activating the Fire Alarm System
1. The procedure for activating the fire alarm system depends on the fire alarm box:
a. Round fire alarm box with glass door lock (Couch):
i.
Break glass strip on the face of the alarm box by striking breaker plate sharply with palm of hand, fist or
other object. This does not send out a signal, it only exposes the operating lever.
ii. Pull the operating lever all the way down and release.
b. Rectangular fire alarm (Simplex): Pull down lever.
c. Rectangular fire alarm box (Couch): The operating lever must be pulled down with sufficient force to break
the glass rod.
2. All fire alarms sounded in the Hospital are transmitted through Centrex to an alarm monitoring company which, in
turn, notifies the Baltimore City Fire Department.
1. All fires, regardless of size, must be reported by pulling the alarm box. Hospital personnel are not to
investigate the emergency area to determine whether or not the assistance of the Fire Department is necessary.
3. Since the fire alarm provides only the general location of the fire, telephone operators are alert for a call on
emergency extension 5-4444. When the call is received, the operator will ask for information on the exact location
of the fire and the nature of the fire. This information is communicated to the fire companies responding to the
Hospital.
WHEN YOU DISCOVER A FIRE, THE PROPER STEPS ARE:
1. Evacuate anyone in immediate danger.
2. Close the door.
3. Pull the fire alarm nearest the scene of the emergency.
4. Call 5-4444.
Take additional steps consistent with job duties (e.g. evacuate, defend in place).
DO NOT attempt to use fire extinguishers unless properly trained and the fire is manageable.
Version 9.0
The Johns Hopkins Hospital and The Johns Hopkins University
Policy Number
Health, Safety and Environment Manual
Fire Safety:
Last Review Date
Subject
Page
JHH Fire Alarm System
II. REVIEW CYCLE
Annually
HSE404
09/16/2015
2 of 2