BOSTON UNIVERSITY
MEDICAL CENTER
EVACUATION PLAN
670 Albany Street
DRAFT
June 2007
670 Albany Street
June 2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1
1.2
1
PURPOSE OF PLAN
BUILDING DESCRIPTION
2
2
2.0 FIRE SAFETY FEATURES
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2
STAIRWELLS AND EGRESS
FIRE ESCAPES
SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
HIGH HAZARD AREAS
3
3
3
3
4
4
3.0 ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITY
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
5
PRINCIPLE INVESTIGATORS, CHEMICAL HYGIENE & SAFETY
OFFICERS
BUILDING OCCUPANTS
DEPARTMENT HEAD/CHAIRMAN RESPONSIBILITIES
OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
PUBLIC SAFETY/SECURITY
BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS FACILITIES
CONTROL CENTER
OPERATOR SERVICES
4.0 EVACUATION PROCEDURES
4.1
4.2
4.3
7
THE R.A.C.E. FIRE PLAN
EVACUATION NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES
RE-ENTRY NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES
5.0 TRAINING
5.1
5.2
5
5
5
6
6
6
6
7
7
8
8
8
INITIAL TRAINING
REFRESHER TRAINING
8
9
6.0 PLAN REVIEW AND FIRE DRILL
9
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
APPENDIX B
APPENDIX C
STAIRWELL INFORMATION
FIRE DRILL CRITIQUE
EMERGENCY CONTACT LIST
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670 Albany Street
June 2007
1.0 INTRODUCTION
This section identifies the purpose of the plan set forth by the Office of Environmental Health
and Safety (OEHS). A brief description of the buildings construction and layout is also included
for informational purposes.
1.1 Purpose of Plan
This Evacuation Plan (Plan) has been established for 670 Albany Street to ensure a
complete understanding of procedures to follow when there is a situation leading up to the
possibility of an evacuation. Potential evacuation could be caused by, but not limited to: fire,
biological threat, bomb threat, flood, gas leak, or building system malfunctions. Evacuation is
mandatory when the fire alarm system for the building is activated, or initiated by BUMC Public
Safety/Security, Boston Police Department (BPD), Boston Fire Department (BFD), or other
recognized authorities.
An effective evacuation requires the cooperative efforts of various departments and city agencies
including, the Control Center, Public Safety/Security, Facilities Dept., Environmental Health and
Safety, Boston Fire Department and Boston Police Department. A cooperative effort is also
necessary from the building occupants. Emergency contact information can be found in the
Safety/Emergency Instruction chart mounted on the wall in many administrative areas of the
building. The emergency chart contains basic University instructions for various safety scenarios
including fire, bomb threat, and natural disaster. The emergency phone #’s can also be found on
the Red Cards that all personnel should have on the back of their BU ID’s.
The Plan also describes the building layout, fire alarm system and egress routes to educate
building occupants and those involved in emergency evacuation.
1.2 Building Description
670 Albany Street was built in 2006 and consists of nine stories (ninth story is the
penthouse) with its primary occupant being research labs. The building’s main entrance is off of
Albany Street behind 700 Albany Street and leads directly into the main lobby’s security desk.
The primary occupant on the first floor is Jones Lang LaSalle, the property managing group.
BMC occupies floors two and three and BUMC occupies floors four, five and eight. Floors six
and seven are currently unoccupied and undeveloped although floor six will be built out for
occupancy in July for BMC. On the first floor is a large auditorium, room 101B, with two exits
up four steps on each side and rear exits through the lobby area.
2.0 FIRE SAFETY FEATURES
670 Albany Street is equipped with several safety features as described below. Please refer to
the evacuation maps posted on all floors to showing the location of the two emergency stairwells,
A and B, fire extinguishers and fire alarm pull stations.
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2.1 Stairwells and Egress
The building contains two sets of emergency stairwells, stairwell A and stairwell B.
Stairwell A connects the first floor to the ninth floor with exit access on the first floor. The roof
is accessible through this stairwell. Stairwell B connects the first floor to the eighth floor with
exit access on the first floor. The two stairwells are fully enclosed and will protect evacuees
from smoke and/or fire provided fire doors are in proper working order and are latched shut,
there are no penetrations through fire walls, and there is no storage of any kind in or under the
stairwell. There are two emergency exits on the first floor on each side of the building in
addition to the main entrance and rear exit.
2.2 Fire Escapes
There are no fire escapes available.
2.3 Sprinkler System
670 Albany Street is protected by an automatic sprinkler system. When the system is
activated, either by a pull station, sprinkler head or smoke detector, it rings directly at the Boston
Fire Department as well as triggering a signal at the BUMC Control Center. There are standpipe
hose connections in Stairwell A. The fire pump room is located on the first floor in room
number 112.
2.4 Fire Alarm Systems
The fire alarm pull stations are located at the entrances to each of the two stairwells on all
floors. The fire alarm control panel is located in the fire command center on the first floor
behind the security desk. The building is set up on a high rise fire alarm system. When activated
the fire alarm will ring on the floor of origin and the floor above, strobes will be activated, any
fire doors tied into the alarm system will automatically close and a signal sent to Boston Fire
Department and the Control Center. Also on every floor is a fire alarm closet.
The following is what takes place when the building goes into alarm:
1.
Once an alarm is received, a series of audible horns and strobe lights will be activated
notifying the occupants that an alarm has been received.
2.
The horns will sound throughout the building for approximately 40 seconds, after which a
recorded message will be broadcast over the building’s public address system notifying the
entire building of the following: “Attention please. The signal tone you have just heard
indicates a report of an emergency in this building. If your floor evacuation signal sounds
after this message, walk to the nearest stairway and leave the floor. While the report is
being verified, occupants on other floors should await further instructions.”
3.
This message is repeated twice.
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June 2007
4.
After the message, the evacuation signal (a slow whooping alarm) will sound on the
affected floor and the floors immediately above and below the affected floor indicating
evacuation should begin as per the building evacuation plan. All other floors will receive a
flashing fire light alerting occupants to stand by for further instructions.
5.
In the event of a confirmed emergency, a building general evacuation will be sounded,
noted by the slow whooping alarm on your floor. At this time you are to immediately
leave the building via the nearest exit stairwell.
DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS
6.
Once the building is safe the Fire Department will announce an "all clear." Please do not
re-enter the building until the Fire Department's approval.
Please do not call the Management Office or the Control Center for fact-finding
information.
2.5 Fire Extinguishers
All floors are equipped with fire extinguishers. The fire extinguishers in the corridors
and common areas are ABC, dry chemical extinguishers that are inspected on a regular bases.
The use of fire extinguishers on the Boston University Medical campus is restricted to the
R.A.C.E fire plan and will only be used by trained individuals. Extinguishers are to be used to
put out a small fire (no bigger than waste basket size) or to assist in escaping from a large fire
without risk to operator safety. All personnel should know the location and types of fire
extinguishers in their area and know how to use them. Please contact OEHS for additional
information.
An easy way to learn how to use a Fire Extinguisher is the anagram PASS:
P
A
S
S
Pull the pin to break the seal tag
Aim the nozzle of the extinguisher at the base of the fire. Stand at a safe distance
from the fire (approx. 8-10 feet).
Squeeze the handle to discharge the fire extinguishers contents.
Sweep the nozzle from side to side.
2.6 High Hazard Areas
Room 113 is the chemical storage room for the building. Room 117 is medical waste
storage and waste water treatment. Waste is picked up at least twice a week by an outside
contractor.
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3.0 ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITY
The following sections outline the roles and responsibilities that have been assigned in the event
of an emergency evacuation.
3.1 Principle Investigators, Chemical Hygiene & Safety Officers
Responsibilities include the following:
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Becoming familiar with all areas in which he/she may occupy; review the posted
emergency evacuation floor plan, which shows exit routes (primary and
secondary means of egress), fire alarm-pull stations, location of fire extinguishers,
and other emergency equipment
Assessing the situation and directing emergency response actions until
Emergency Responders (Public Safety/Security, BFD) arrive
Providing assistance and acting as a liaison between BUMC and Emergency
responders
Overseeing and assisting with evacuation procedure by asking all personnel to
evacuate from labs, bathrooms, classrooms, offices and conference areas
Determining if anyone in his or her area may need special assistance in the event
of an alarm. When the alarm sounds and someone cannot evacuate his/her area
for whatever reason, a staff member should assist the individual to an area of
refuge, typically a stairwell. Wait with this person while another person notifies
emergency responders (BFD, Public Safety/Security) that assistance is needed
Directing all occupants to stairs and avoiding the use of elevators.
Directing all personnel to the designated meeting points
3.2 Building Occupants


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Becoming familiar with all areas in which he/she may occupy; review the posted
emergency evacuation floor plan, which shows exit routes (primary and
secondary means of egress), fire alarm-pull stations, location of fire extinguishers,
and other emergency equipment
Avoid the use of elevators unless directed by the fire department or other
authorized authority
Upon alarm sounding on your floor evacuate the area immediately and check to
see that all doors are closed upon evacuation
Report to the meeting point and wait further instructions given by the fire
department or other authorized authority
3.3 Department Head/ Chairman Responsibilities
The Department Head Responsibilities include the following:
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 Becoming familiar with the evacuation guidelines set forth in this plan.
 Ensuring that new and existing employees are familiar with the guidelines set forth
in this plan
 Identifying persons that may require special assistance in the event of a building
evacuation
3.4 Office of Environmental Health and Safety
The Office of Environmental Health and Safety is responsible for the following:
 Coordinating and assisting with fire drills
 Inspecting Boston University Medical Center buildings to ensure proper compliance
with fire protection and life safety regulations and codes
 Reviewing this plan with building leadership to make necessary changes and
updates
 Providing training for occupants as necessary or requested.
 Investigating fires or fire alarms as necessary or as requested
3.5 Public Safety/Security
Public Safety/Security is responsible for the following:
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Security dispatch will alert all available Security personnel through portable
radios
Communicating with the Control Center through out the evacuation or Cod Red
Procedures
Upon arrival of the BFD, Security will escort the BFD to the fire alarm location as
indicated on the fire alarm panel
Other available Security Officers will respond to the floor of the reported
emergency and assist as needed
3.6 Boston University Medical Campus Facilities
The Office of Facilities is responsible for the following:
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

Responding to emergency evacuation and assisting as needed
Setting up the testing of emergency systems including fire alarms and emergency
lighting in accordance with applicable NFPA, State of Massachusetts and City of
Boston regulations
Maintaining and repairing facility emergency equipment
Assisting the Office of Environmental Health and Safety during emergency
evacuation drills
3.7 Control Center
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June 2007
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Upon receiving a Code Red call will immediately notify BFD
Notify all available BU Facilities personnel available through page system or
portable radio
Notify the page operator with all information regarding the location and any other
available information
Contact the alarm servicing company (Simplex Grinnell) to reset the alarm
following BFD approval
3.8 Operator Services


Will send out a group page upon instructions from the Control Center (Operator
Services maintains a current Code Red Page list)
Ex: “Code Red 670 Albany 3rd Floor East Wing”
A group page will also be sent out to clear fire alarms upon approval by BFD
ex: “Code Red 670 Albany 3rd Floor East Wing, All Clear”
4.0 EVACUATION PROCEDURES
Upon the detection of fire or smoke the R.A.C.E. fire plan is to be followed. The fire alarm
system is to be activated and building evacuation is to be conducted. The following describes the
steps of the R.A.C.E. fire plan:
4.1 The R.A.C.E. Fire Plan
Rescue/ Remove: Remove yourself or anyone who is in immediate danger by the fire or
smoke. In some cases it may be prudent to sound the alarm first, because if you are overcome by
the effects of the fire there may be no one available to assist you.
Alert/ Alarm: It is important to alert others to the fire and get help as soon as possible.
Call out “Code Red” and activate the nearest fire alarm pull station in your area. The fire alarm
bells will sound, immediately call 8-6666 to report the exact location and details of the fire and
first responders will arrive. Pulling a Fire Alarm Pull Station is the quickest way to summon
help and report a fire. Do that first only if a pull station is readily available, and then call 8-6666
and report the exact location. REMEMBER – You can delegate someone to activate the Fire
Alarm Pull Station and call for help. Always use both methods to ensure that the BFD has been
notified and that the exact location of the fire is displayed on the fire panel.
Confine/ Close Shut all doors and windows and turn off all fans and air conditioners as
you leave the building. Do not go through or allow passage through the corridor fire doors
unless you have a specific job function or purpose that can not be delayed. If you need to go
through doors during a fire alarm, test the door first to make sure that it is not hot. Open the door
slowly. If there is smoke or fire on the other side quickly re-shut the door and seek a secondary
egress route.
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Extinguish/Evacuate: A fire extinguisher is to be used when one is readily
extinguishable (no larger than waste basket size) or can be used to escape from a larger fire
without danger to the operator’s safety. Evacuate yourself or anyone else that is in danger.
Immediately remove them to safety after summoning help. If the fire alarm sounds, check your
area to confirm that the fire or smoke is not in your area, then listen for evacuation tones or
instructions from the fire alarm system. If someone cannot evacuate his/her area for whatever
reason, a staff member should assist the individual to an area of refuge, typically a stairwell.
Wait with this person while another person notifies emergency responders (BFD, Public
Safety/Security) either in person or by calling 8-4444 that assistance is needed. BFD, Public
Safety/Security will make the decision whether or not to evacuate the individual. Elevators are
not to be used during evacuation unless authorized by BFD.
4.2 The Meeting Point
When evacuation is necessary building occupants should exit and report the southeast
side of the building, away from responding emergency vehicles.
(I removed the photo’s)
4.3 Re-entry Notification Procedures
Re-entry will be allowed when the Boston Fire Department or the authority having
jurisdiction has cleared the building. This will be indicated by the de-activation of the alarm
system or through a verbal notification by the Fire Department. The Fire Alarm should only be
turned off when directed by the Boston Fire Department. The Alarm Company (Simplex
Grinnell) will be contacted by the Control Center to reset the Fire Alarm.
5.0 TRAINING
The following sections outline the evacuation plan training requirements. Initial training will be
conducted for responsible individuals within the evacuation plan, and periodic refresher training
will be provided when facility, personnel or procedural changes are made.
5.1 Initial Training
Employees expected to perform duties under this evacuation plan are provided training
prior to assuming their roles. Brief training includes, but is not limited to, roles and
responsibilities, notification procedures, evacuation procedures, meeting point and assisting with
a quick and smooth evacuation. Additional training will be provided when the Evacuation Plan is
amended or changed due to facility or personnel changes.
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June 2007
5.2 Refresher Training
Periodic refresher training will be provided to responsible individuals identified in this
plan. The Building Administrator, with assistance from the Office of Environmental Health and
Safety, will conduct the refresher training. Refresher training will be provided annually and
when deficiencies in the plan are discovered or the plan is amended as a result of the annual
review.
.
6.0 PLAN REVIEW AND FIRE DRILL
The Building Administrator, with assistance from the Office of Environmental Health and
Safety, will conduct an annual review of this plan. Items that should be taken into consideration
during the review include, but are not limited to, evacuation drill critiques, information provided
by the building occupants, and facility changes. The Evacuation Plan will be amended to reflect
any facility or personnel changes affecting the Plan.
Page 9
APPENDIX A
STAIRWELL ACCESS & EXIT INFORMATION
STAIRWELL
Stairwell A
First through 9th floor
Stairwell B
First through 8th floor
ACCESS
Stairwell A connects the first floor to the ninth floor
mechanical penthouse with exit access on the first floor.
Stairwell B connects the first floor to the eight floor with
exit access on the first floor.
Emergency Exits
First floor emergency exits are located on the either side of
the main entrance and in the rear of the building.
APPENDIX B
BUMC FIRE DRILL CRITIQUE FORM
YES
NO N/A
1. Were the alarm bells/horns working?
2. Could the alarm bells/horns be heard in all
areas of the building?
3. Did all personnel evacuate their floor?
4. Were elevators used during the drill?
(never use elevators, stairwells only)
5. Were any fire doors (stairwell doors) propped
open?
6. Did fire doors, which automatically close,
function properly?
7. Were any persons requiring special assistance,
if any, properly attended to?
8. Did staff/faculty meet at the pre-arranged meeting point?
9. How did personnel, students, and/or visitor’s respond/react to the drill on your floor?
10. What type of difficulties, if any, were encountered during the evacuation?
NAME:
DEPARTMENT:
DATE:
Please return to the Office of Environmental Health and Safety
85 East Newton Street 4th Floor
Page11
APPENDIX C
EMERGENCY CONTACT LIST
Public Safety/Securtiy
Boston Fire Department
Boston Police Department
Building Administrator, Jones Lang LaSalle
Office of Environmental Health and Safety
Control Center
Disaster Information Hotline (BMC/BUMC)
8-4444
911
911
414-8102
8-8830
8-4444
8-6886