Most Commonly Cited
Fire Safety Violations©
Irineo “Junior” Gappe
EHSO/CTAHR EHS Specialist
Kapiolani Community College
Media Center, Oct. 06, 1998
Final Fire Cause : UNATTENDED
COFFEEMAKER
Loss Estimate:
$95,000.00
(structure and contents)
*Pictures courtesy of Mr. Maynard Young
Director, Physical Facilities, Planning and Construction
Office of the Sr. VP/Chancellor for Community Colleges
Most Commonly Cited Fire Safety Violations©
VIOLATIONS:
- Use of extension cord as a substitute for permanent wiring.
- Extension cord running through wall and ceiling and out to the other room.
- Freezer plugged in to extension cord.
CORRECTIVE ACTIONS:
- Relocate electrical equipment to area where there is available wall or floor outlet.
- Submit a work request to Facilities, Planning & Management Office to provide
additional wall or floor outlets.
Uniform Fire Code, 1988 Edition
Article 85- ELECTRICAL
Abatement of Electrical Hazards
Sec. 85.104. When any electrical hazards are identified, measures to abate such
conditions shall be taken. All identified hazardous electrical conditions in permanent
wiring shall be brought to the attention of the authority enforcing the Electrical Code.
Extension Cords
Section 85.106. (a) Prohibited Use. Extension cords shall not be used as a substitute
for permanent wiring.
(b) Use with Portable Appliances. Extension cords are permitted only with portable
appliances or fixtures, while in immediate use, in accordance with the following:
1. Each extension cord shall be plugged directly into an approved receptacle and shall,
except for approved multiplug extension cords, serve only one appliance or fixture.
2. The current capacity of the cord shall be not less than the rated capacity of the
appliance or fixture.
3. The extension cord is maintained in good condition without splices, deterioration or
damage.
4. The extension cord is of the grounded type when servicing grounded appliances or
fixtures.
(c) Installation. Extension cords and flexible cords shall not be affixed to structures,
extend through walls, ceilings, floors, under doors or floor coverings, nor be subject to
environmental damage or physical impact.
Most Commonly Cited Fire Safety Violations©
VIOLATIONS:
Use of extesion cords as a substitute
for permanent wiring.
Use of 2-prong and octopus type multiplug adapters.
Illegal, unapproved electrical
connections.
CORRECTIVE ACTIONS:
Remove all extension cords,
wirings, electrical connections and
submit work request to FPMO to
provide code-approved electrical
wirings and connections.
Most Commonly Cited Fire Safety Violations©
Most Commonly Cited Fire Safety Violations©
Big fires start
small…….
Shorted timer and 2-prong
adaptor, with burn marks.
Most probable cause: overloaded
circuit ! ! ! ! !
Most Commonly Cited Fire Safety Violations©
VIOLATIONS:
- Coffeemaker, hot beverage maker,
bread toaster/oven left unattended
while in operation.
- Use of cube multiplug adaptor.
CORRECTIVE ACTION:
Coffeemakers, hot beverage makers,
bread toaster/ovens, space heaters
and all other appliances with exposed
heating elements should never be left
unattended while in operation. They
should be unplugged after each use.
Ensure that such appliances are
operated away from combustible
materials such as files, curtains, trash
containers, etc.
Most Commonly Cited Fire Safety Violations©
VIOLATION:
Use of power strips/taps in series.
“Piggybacking”
CORRECTIVE ACTION:
Approved power strips or taps, as well
as high amperage electrical equipment,
e.g. refrigerators and microwave
ovens, must be directly plugged in to a
permanently installed receptacle or
outlet.
Most Commonly Cited Fire Safety Violations©
VIOLATION:
Access to electrical control panel is
obstructed.
CORRECTIVE ACTION:
Remove obstruction to provide a minimum
of 30 inches of clearance in front of
electrical control panel.
Most Commonly Cited Fire Safety Violations©
VIOLATIONS:
- Combustible storage piled way up to ceiling.
- Combustible storage obstructing automatic
fire sprinkler.
CORRECTIVE ACTION:
- Remove combustible storage to provide 2foot clearance from ceiling to top of
storage; 18 inches clearance from a
sprinkler head.
Most Commonly Cited Fire Safety Violations©
Most Commonly Cited Fire Safety Violations©
• Exit Obstruction
Section12.103*. (a) Obstructions.
Exits shall not be obstructed in any
manner and shall remain free of any
material or matter where its presence
render the
exit hazardous.
would obstruct or
*Uniform Fire Code, 1988 edition
Most Commonly Cited Fire Safety Violations©
WE CAN
DO IT !!!
THE END
MAHALO