Fire Hazards
Definition of Fire Hazard
A fire hazard is situation where there is greater than normal risk of harm
to property or people due to fire. It can be defined as a hazardous area where fire
will start or where smokes or gasses can be generated, or where an explosion can
occur endangering the lives of people. 1
Building-Specific concerns
Small quantities of hazardous materials are stored in most
laboratories in the ISC. In some laboratories these will include
biological and radiological hazards as well as flammable and/ or
explosive materials. Every laboratory containing hazardous
materials will display a unique door placard to identify hazards and provide contact information in the
event of an emergency. All persons working with hazardous materials in the ISC should review and
become familiar with the ISC Hazardous Material Response Plan2, fire prevention techniques and control
areas within ISC.
Examples of fire
hazards: compressed
gas cylinders, and
storage of combustible
material.
Fire Prevention
Fire prevention starts with identifying fire hazards. All members of the College
community – faculty, staff, students and visitors – have a personal obligation to be
aware of fire hazards and to reduce or eliminate the risk of fire on our campus. The
Campus Fire Prevention Plan details common hazards to look for include1:

Check for visible electrical problems such as worn electrical cords, outlets,
and broken appliances.



Check the amount of trash accumulation and clutter in each room, hallways, and stairwells.
Poor housekeeping leads to accumulation of material that will fuel a fire. It also creates
blockages in pathways that would otherwise provide safe passage away from the fire.
Check for use of prohibited electrical devices. Extension cords and multi plug adapters are
prohibited on campus. Multi-outlet power cords with an integral surge protector shall be used
in lieu of extension cords and multi plug adapters.
Properly identify flammable liquids and storage of combustible materials. Ensure the amount
hazardous materials stored do not exceed the limits of the control area.
Control Areas
1
2
http://www.wm.edu/offices/facilities/services/safety/firesafety/faqs
http://web.wm.edu/facman/safety/
A control area is a space bounded by not less than a one-hour-fire-resistive occupancy separation within
which the maximum allowable quantity of hazardous materials may be sorted, dispensed, handled or
use. The control area concept regulates quantities of hazardous materials may be stored, dispensed,
handled, or used. The control are concept regulates quantities of hazardous materials per control area,
rather than per building, and then limits the numb of control areas per building. A control area may be
an entire building or only a portion of a building. Due to the original construction of ISC, there are nine
control areas within the building. 3
Locations of the Control Areas and Control Area Signs:
Specific details on
the allowable
quantities of
hazardous
materials, for a
control area, can
be found on the
control number
sign. The control
number signs are
located on each
floor, in close
proximity to each
control area.
`
Control Area #1: Room 0026
3
http://kentwa.gov/fireprevention/
Control Area #2: Room 0028
Control Area #3:
Balance of Floor
Control Area #4:
All areas enclosed
within the green
perimeter.
Control Area #5:
All areas enclosed
within the green
perimeter.
Control Area #6:
All areas enclosed
within the green
perimeter.
Control Area #7:
All areas enclosed
within the green
perimeter.
Control Area # 8:
All areas enclosed
within the green
perimeter.
Control Area #9:
All areas
enclosed within
the green
perimeter.