California Lutheran University
Fire Prevention Program
PURPOSE:
It is the primary goal at California Lutheran University to provide Faculty, Staff,
and Students with a safe and healthful environment. The Fire Prevention Plan
has been developed to work in conjunction with university emergency plans and
other safety programs. This includes reviewing all new building construction and
renovations to ensure compliance with applicable state, local, and national fire
and life safety standards. Fire prevention measures reduce the incidence of fires
by eliminating opportunities for ignition of flammable materials.
Administrative Duties:
Campus Public Safety is responsible for maintaining the Fire Prevention Program
and for all facets of the plan and has full authority to make necessary decisions
to ensure the success of this plan. If, after reading this plan, you find that
improvements can be made, please contact Campus Public Safety. We
encourage all suggestions because we are committed to creating a safe
workplace for all our employees, and a safe and effective Fire Prevention
program is an important component of our overall safety plan. We strive for clear
understanding, safe work practices, and involvement in the program.
RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Campus Public Safety Responsibilities
1. To serve as chairperson of the Campus Safety Advisory Committee
addressing matters concerning fire and life safety and recommends appropriate
action as required.
2. To ensure fire safety training in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers,
fire safety work practices, and response to suspected fire emergencies is
conducted and documented.
3. To provide assistance in the development of evacuation plans and to conduct
evacuation drills as required.
4. To inspect all University facilities for fire and life safety concerns and provides
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recommendations in those areas requiring attention.
5. To ensure inspection and maintenance on all portable fire extinguishers on
campus is performed.
6. To ensure Facilities performs the required testing of fire pumps, sprinkler
systems, smoke and heat detectors, fire alarm systems, and to ensure
documentation of this.
B. Facilities and Planning Responsibilities
1. Facilities shall ensure that all new installations of fire alarm systems, fire
suppression systems, extinguishers and fire alarm equipment to include
standpipes, sprinklers, hydrants and fixed extinguishing systems meet all federal,
state and local regulations.
2. To provide Campus Public Safety copies of all documents related to
maintenance of fire related equipment/systems.
3. To ensure Facilities personnel/contractors are appropriately trained to perform
required preventive maintenance on fire equipment/systems.
C. Supervisors and Managers
1. Ensure employees are provided the necessary training and that all training is
documented.
2. Enforce all California Lutheran University policies and procedures.
3. Take appropriate action on all reported safety and health complaints. If the
complaint cannot be resolved in the department, forward the complaint to
Campus Public Safety.
D. Individual Responsibilities
1. All employees will familiarize themselves with the policies and procedures
related to fire protection and prevention.
2. All students, faculty, staff, visitors, vendors, and contractors will abide by the
California Lutheran University Fire Prevention Program.
3. Employees should report all concerns to their immediate supervisor; if not
possible, notify Campus Public Safety.
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FIRE AND EVACUTION PROCEDURES
A. General Fire Safety Requirements
1. Housekeeping
a. All stairwells, exits, and passageways to and from exits shall be kept free of all
obstructions at all times. No furnishings, decorations, other combustible or
flammable objects shall obstruct exits, access, egress from or visibility of.
b. Fire doors must be kept closed at all times unless they are held open by an
approved device interconnected to the fire alarm system.
c. Flammable and combustible materials must be stored in an approved storage
area at all times.
d. Material must not obstruct sprinkler heads or be piled around fire
extinguishers, fire alarm pull station locations, or sprinkler and standpipe control
valves. To obtain proper distribution of water, a minimum of 18 inches
of clear space is required below sprinkler deflectors.
e. Dispose of all trash as soon as possible in trash cans or dumpsters. Waste
materials must never be piled in corridors or stairwells while awaiting removal.
B. Fire Identification, Notification and Emergency Evacuation
1. Identification/Notification
a. In the event that anyone smells smoke or sees fire or smoke and there is a
building fire alarm system, they should immediately activate the alarm to
evacuate the building by using the nearest pull station. Even if the fire is
known to be small, the alarm should be activated immediately.
b. After activating the fire alarm, the person discovering the fire should
immediately call 911, from a safe location, and provide the emergency dispatcher
with the name and location of the building and information about the fire.
c. After the alarm has been sounded and the fire has been reported, an attempt
should be made to extinguish the fire if it is small and if it can be extinguished
without exposing oneself to injury. Portable fire extinguishers are available for
use for those trained. Otherwise, evacuate along with others to one of the
assigned evacuation points.
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2. Evacuation
a. The primary concern in the event of a fire is to evacuate everyone from the
building as quickly as possible. In order to accomplish this, occupants must be
prepared in advance for quick and orderly evacuation. Periodic meetings should
be held with all personnel to explain, in detail, evacuation procedures. When the
fire alarm sounds, immediate evacuation is required.
b. If time and conditions permit, close all doors and windows (do not lock doors,
unless for security purposes).
c. When on floors above ground level, always use stairways to exit the building
(NEVER USE ELEVATORS).
d. Once outside, stay clear of doors, sidewalks and roadways.
e. Return to the building only after being directed to do so by Campus Public
Safety. Instructors are responsible for ensuring safe evacuation of all students,
including those with disabilities.
C. Fire Safety Drills
Fire Drill Procedure
1. Frequency of Drills - drills shall be conducted in accordance with the following
frequencies:
* Residence Halls - a minimum of two (2) drills per semester.
* Administrative/Educational Buildings - a minimum of one (1) drill per semester.
2. Procedure for Planned Drills
a. In every case where a planned drill is to be held, Campus Public Safety must
be notified, in advance, of the time and location of the drill. Following each
planned drill, the person in charge of administering the drill must complete all
training documentation and forward a copy to Campus Public Safety.
D. Portable Fire Extinguishers - Type, Placement and Inspection
1. Location - Portable fire extinguishers are installed on the basis of the hazard
classification, occupancy and the nature of the materials subject to fire.
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2. Type - Fires are classified into groups according to the nature of the material
subject to fire. Fire extinguisher classification corresponds to these groups:
Class A:
Fires consisting of ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, some plastics,
and textiles, where a cooling action of the extinguishing agent is required
Class B:
Fires consisting of flammable liquid and gas, such as oil, gasoline, paint,
acetone, and grease, where oxygen exclusion or a flame-interrupting effect of the
extinguishing agent is required.
Class C:
Fire involving electrical wiring and electrical equipment where dielectric
nonconductive extinguishing agent is required.
Class D:
Fires consisting of combustible metals, such as magnesium, potassium,
powdered aluminum, zinc, sodium, titanium, zirconium, and lithium, where a
material specific extinguishing agent is required.
3. Education - Be informed regarding the locations and classifications of portable
fire extinguishers in your area. If you observe portable fire extinguishers that
have been tampered with, nonfunctional, or are missing, report it immediately to
Campus Public Safety.
4. Inspections are as follows:
a. Monthly - all fire extinguishers are inspected on a monthly basis.
b. Annual - all University fire extinguishers have a set inspection date which
requires that they are hydrostatically inspected by a certified service provider.
These inspection dates range from 1-15 years
E. Open Flames and Fireworks
1. Unapproved units which have/contain exposed elements or open flames such
as Coleman stoves, fondue pots, gas lanterns, hibachi grills, torches, oil lamps
and fireworks are not allowed on campus.
2. No open fire, cooking fire, campfire or bonfire will be allowed on University
property.
3. The use or possession of fireworks, explosives, or any other substance which
may injure other individuals is strictly prohibited.
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F. Portable Space Heaters
The following guidelines must be followed when using portable space heaters
1. The heater must have an automatic safety switch that turns off the unit if it is
tipped over.
2. Units must be grounded and UL approved.
3. Before using the heater, inspect the electrical cord. Look for frayed wire or
cracked insulation. If there are any defects in the cord or unit, DO NOT USE THE
CORD. Do not connect an extension cord to the heater.
4. Never leave the unit on while you are out of your office. Always check the unit
before leaving your office for lunch or at the end of the day and make sure it is
shut off.
5. Do not place the heater near combustible materials such as papers,
magazines or office furniture. Allow at least three feet between the heater and
combustible material.
6. Do not place the heater in or near wet areas or in high traffic areas, such as
exit ways.
7. Before operating the heater, always read and follow the manufacturers
operating instructions.
NEVER USE SPACE HEATERS IN AN AREA WHERE FLAMMABLE VAPORS
MAY BE PRESENT.
G. Holiday Fire Safety Guidelines
The following fire safety guidelines must be use when decorating for holidays or
special occasions:
1. All decorations, such as garland, artificial trees, wreaths, tinsel, and streamers
must be labeled as "fire-proof," "fire-resistant" or "flame-proof."
2. All holiday lighting should bear a testing lab seal of approval.
3. Never use lights on metallic trees.
4. Natural trees, wreaths and greens are prohibited in public buildings.
5. The use of candles is prohibited in all buildings.
6. Holiday lights should not be left unattended.
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7. Decorations must be arranged in a manner not to obstruct exits, emergency
lighting, exit signs, or corridors.
8. Extension cords shall not impose a trip hazard or be utilized outdoors.
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