Effective Date: 05/15/04
The Georgia Institute of Technology follows such fire protection standards as are promulgated by National Fire Codes, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Prevention Code, and Standard Building Code. These codes are used in the design and construction of new buildings, planning of alterations in existing buildings, and for many details of operation of the Institute such as:
storage, handling and disposal of flammable liquids.
purchase of electrical equipment, power tools, etc.
specifications on building materials for new construction.
design of lightning protection for buildings.
fire safety procedures and rules.
specifications for first-aid and firefighting equipment.
Fire safety responsibilities of the Department of Environmental Health and Safety include participation in the planning of the fire safety of buildings and the development of safe practices in both academic and nonacademic areas of operation in accordance with recognized safety principles.
1. Fire Classifications
Fires are grouped into four general classifications, each of which can be extinguished by a particular agent. Because all types of extinguishing agents cannot be used on all types of fires, this classification makes it possible to determine and use the type of extinguisher best suited for fighting a particular type of fire.
Class A--Fires occurring in wood, paper, and rags are termed Class A fires. Fires in this classification will be effectively and safely extinguished by water or solutions containing water. This classification is primarily concerned with cooling or quenching the fire as water does. Multipurpose ABC or water-containing extinguishers should be used on these fires. Please note that electrocution may be possible if water containing extinguisher is mistakenly used on an electrical fire.
Class B--Fires occurring in flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, solvents, grease and similar substances are termed Class B fires. The agents required for extinguishing this type of fire are those which eliminate or dilute air by exclusion or blanketing, thereby creating a smothering effect, such as CO2' or ABC.
Class C--Those fires occurring in electrical equipment and facilities such as motors, transformers, switches, etc., are termed Class C fires. The extinguishers used on Class C fires must be non-conductors of electricity and have a smothering effect, such as CO2, or ABC. Most Class C fires can be extinguished as Class A fires when they are de-energized.
Class D--Those fires where the fuel is combustible metal such as magnesium, sodium, zirconium, potassium, and titanium are considered Class D fires. The extinguishers used must be the application of special powders such as Dry Graphite, Dry Sand, or MET-L-X.
Class K--Those fires in cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats).
2. Portable Fire Extinguishers
Portable fire extinguishers are primarily of value for immediate use on small fires. They have a limited quantity of extinguishing material and therefore must be used properly so this material is not wasted.
Extinguishers are mechanical devices. They need care and maintenance at periodic intervals to insure their readiness to operate properly and safely. Parts or interior chemicals deteriorate in time and need replacement. In most cases they are high pressure vessels and must be treated with respect and handled with care.
The placement and ordering of portable fire extinguishers is the responsibility of the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.
3. Inspection and Maintenance of Fire Extinguishers
The Department of Environmental Health and Safety conducts an inspection program to determine whether a fire extinguisher is available, charged, and otherwise operative. Fire extinguishers are checked monthly to determine that they are in their designated place, they have not been tampered with, and there is no obvious physical damage or condition that could prevent their operation. This check is to be done by a responsible person whom the building or facility manager has assigned this responsibility and they will keep a permanent written record.
Maintenance requires a thorough check of the extinguisher. It includes hydrostatic testing, a thorough examination and necessary repair, recharging, or replacement. Maintenance is conducted at intervals of one year or less or when the need is indicated by an inspection or after discharge. Discharged, missing, or apparently faulty extinguishers should be reported to the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at 404-894-4635.
4. Training in Use of Fire Extinguishers
Training of personnel in fire equipment use is the responsibility of the Department of Environmental Health and Safety. Training employees in the use of emergency fire equipment requires stressing proper selection of equipment and familiarity with all types of fire extinguishers utilized in Institute buildings. Additionally, employees must be taught to judge the seriousness of fires and the correct method of extinguishing them.
The Department of Environmental Health and Safety offers hands-on training in the use of fire extinguishers. For more information, contact EH&S at 404-894-4635.
5. Fire Alarms and Emergency Procedures
The first act upon discovery of a flame, excess heat, or smoke in a building shall be to activate the fire alarm. The sounding of a fire alarm shall be treated as an extreme emergency and complete evacuation of the building is required. Please note that the building alarm may be a local alarm only and that the Georgia Tech Police must be called at 404-894-2500.
During any real or practice emergency evacuation, operation of elevators shall be limited to use by emergency personnel and disabled employees who cannot use the stairs. Stairways will be used for evacuation by all other personnel.
1. Fire Exit Drills
Fire exit drills are preplanned and controlled evacuations of floors, buildings, or areas conducted to familiarize occupants with all available means of exit as well as with the proper procedures for exiting buildings.
Fire exit drills require trained personnel to observe employee participation and behavior and to evaluate overall compliance with established rules and practices. The following shall apply to fire exit drills:
the building or facility managers shall conduct at least one planned fire drill per semester in each Institute residence hall and at least annually in all other Institute buildings. A permanent written record of the drills shall be maintained at each building or facility.
the fire drill will be at the beginning of the semester with or without prior announcement.
an unplanned event, such as a false alarm, will not constitute a fire exit drill.
drills shall be conducted under a variety of conditions (e.g., night, morning, blocked exits, etc.).
2. Fire Drills Frequency
Where Required. Emergency egress and relocation drills conforming to the provisions of this Code shall be conducted as specified by the provisions of the Life Safety Code Chapter 11 through Chapter 42, or by appropriate action of the authority having jurisdiction. Drills shall be designed in cooperation with the local authorities.
Drill Frequency. Emergency egress and relocation drills, where required by Life Safety Code Chapter 11 through Chapter 42 or the authority having jurisdiction, shall be held with sufficient frequency to familiarize occupants with the drill procedure and to establish conduct of the drill as a matter of routine. Drills shall include suitable procedures to ensure that all persons subject to the drill participate.
Assembly occupancies - The employees or attendants of assembly occupancies shall be trained and drilled quarterly in the duties they are to perform in case of fire, panic, or other emergency to effect orderly exiting. Maintain records.
In the following assembly occupancies, an audible announcement shall be made, or a projected image shall be shown, prior to the start of each program that notifies occupants of the location of the exits to be used in case of a fire or other emergency:
(1) Theaters
(2)
Motion picture theaters
(3)
Auditoriums
(4) Other similar assembly
occupancies with occupant loads exceeding 300 where there are
non-continuous
programs
Business occupancy - In all business occupancy buildings occupied by more than 500 persons, or by more than 100 persons above or below the street level, employees and supervisory personnel shall be periodically instructed in accordance with Life Safety Code Section 4.7 and shall hold drills periodically where practicable.
Dormitories. Emergency egress and relocation drills shall be regularly conducted in accordance with Life Safety Code Section 4.7.
Mercantile occupancy - In every Class A or Class B mercantile occupancy, employees shall be periodically trained in accordance with Life Safety Code Section 4.7.
Orderly Evacuation. When conducting drills, emphasis shall be placed on orderly evacuation rather than on speed.
Simulated Conditions. Drills shall be held at expected and unexpected times and under varying conditions to simulate the unusual conditions that can occur in an actual emergency.
Relocation Area. Drill participants shall relocate to a predetermined location and remain at such location until a recall or dismissal signal is given.
Maintained Records. A written record of each drill shall be completed by the person responsible for conducting the drill and maintained in an approved manner.
Coordination of fire exit drills will be the responsibility of the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.
A well-planned and supervised program of housekeeping, combined with careful maintenance of equipment, will do much to reduce the fire incidence rate.
Poor housekeeping in buildings, i.e., rooms cluttered with debris, increases the rate of incidence and intensity of fires.
One of the most important life safety features of any multi-story building is the closing off of vertical openings, as at stairways. The vertical opening enclosures serve to delay the spread of fire and are vital in preventing the rapid flow of smoke, death-dealing gases, and superheated air throughout the building. Such doors shall not be blocked or wedged in the open position.
It is the responsibility of all Institute personnel to enforce the above regulation in any building. An atmosphere of one-third smoke and noxious gases can incapacitate a person in 30 seconds; fire doors control the spread of smoke and gases as well as flame.
1. Emergency Exits
To insure timely evacuation of buildings in the event of an emergency, all interior and exterior exits shall be marked and exit signs illuminated at all times.
Exterior exit doors must open out, contain panic hardware, and be in proper operating order at all times. Manually operated flush bolts or surface bolts on exit doors are not permitted and shall be removed.
Landings and stairs must be equipped with hand rails maintained in good condition.
Exit routes must be adequately lighted.
Floor surfaces, especially in hallways, must be kept clean, in good repair, and cleared of all items that may prove hazardous.
2. Fire Doors
The preservation of Institute buildings, as well as costly equipment, rare collections, and research in progress from destruction by fire may depend on properly maintained fire doors. Lives of persons may also depend on such doors. However, it is common to find that self-closing doors installed for fire protection have been blocked or wedged in the open position as a personal convenience, or to improve a local ventilation problem.
It is the responsibility of all staff members to assist in seeing that all fire doors are unblocked and operational.
3. Corridors and Paths of Egress
The need for maximum use of available space has resulted in requests for use of parts of corridors for departmental use.
Placing equipment in corridors is not feasible except where corridor space is unusually ample, where the population in the building is very light, where no special fire or accident hazard is created, where recognized standards are not violated, and where foot traffic will not be impeded. As a result, expansion into corridor spaces is specifically prohibited without the express, written permission of the Director of EH&S (after consultation with the Georgia Tech Fire Marshall).
4. Smoke Detectors
Most fire-related deaths occur from inhalation of smoke and poisonous gases rather than from flame. Many of such deaths may be preventable through the use of smoke detectors. The two common types of smoke alarm commercially available are ionization and photoelectric detectors.
In the event that a smoke alarm sounds, call Georgia Tech Police 404-894-2500, pull the fire alarm handle, and exit the building.
5. Storage of Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Georgia Tech requires compliance with the requirements of National Fire Protection Association's NFPA 30 standards as it applies to flammable and combustible liquids.
Georgia Tech requires compliance with the requirements of National Fire Protection Association's NFPA 45 standards. This standard shall apply to laboratory buildings, laboratory units, and laboratory work areas whether located above or below grade in which chemicals, as defined, are handled or stored.
Flammable liquids are not to be used for cleaning floors, are not to be stored in unmarked containers, and shall not be stored in unauthorized areas.
Residents may store oil-based paints and thinners (one quart or less) in metal storage fire cabinets designed for this purpose. The cabinets shall be tested and listed for the application and bear the UL labels.
6. Fire Safety Inspections
Systematic inspections to locate and eliminate fire and safety hazards are an indispensable element of any fire and life safety program. In accordance with this philosophy, the Department of Environmental Health and Safety will conduct unscheduled fire and life safety inspections. These inspections ensure a comprehensive and systematic coverage of all areas and activities to identify conditions and acts which are hazardous. The following list includes those unsafe conditions which most frequently contribute to accidents or fires:
fire or smoke-stop doors open
exits, halls, or stairwells blocked
trash or combustible and flammable materials in stairwells or under stairs
flammable paints and liquids not properly stored
stair handrails not properly secured
smoke-stop doors not labeled
exit lights not illuminated or missing
dust mops and dust cloths not properly stored
motorcycles stored indoors
panic bar hardware not properly operating
unsafe wiring or appliances
improvements needed in housekeeping
7. Smoking
All Georgia Tech building are designated as no-smoking facilities. Smoking is allowed in residential buildings in individual rooms/apartments with the permission of all roommates. However, smoking is not allowed in common areas of residential buildings. Wherever smoking is allowed, appropriate receptacles for smoking wastes shall be provided. Smoking in bed is specifically prohibited.
8. Appliances
All appliances used in Georgia Tech buildings must have an Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.) or Factory Mutual Inspection Seal attached. Appliances must not be left on or unattended when not in use. Open-coiled space heaters are strictly forbidden.
Extension cords are not acceptable as substitutes for permanent wiring for electrical service in buildings.
Heavy load appliances, including refrigerators, space heaters, coffee makers, hot plates, etc., shall be connected directly to permanent outlets by the service cord attached to the appliance. Light duty extension cords are not permitted.
Circuit breakers of appropriate capacity are installed by Facilities' electricians in the various electrical circuits in buildings to protect against fire which would otherwise result from destruction of a defective appliance or wiring through overheating. A tripped circuit breaker usually indicates that a given circuit has been overloaded beyond the rated capacity of the wiring and the load must be reduced or redistributed to other circuits. The source of the overload must be determined by a qualified electrician.
9. Combustible Engines
No contrivance powered by a combustible fuel engine shall be stored in an Institute building without the written consent of the Department of Environmental Health and Safety. Any such item found within a building will be removed and placed outside with no regard for potential loss to the owner.
10. Decorations for Special Occasions
Georgia Tech requires compliance with the requirements of The National Fire Protection Association's Life Safety Code for Interior Finish, Contents, and Furnishings.
1. Application. The interior finish, contents, and furnishings provisions set forth in this chapter shall apply to new construction and existing buildings.
2. Cellular or Foamed Plastic. Cellular or foamed plastic materials shall not be used as interior wall and ceiling finish unless specifically permitted by 10.2.4.3.1 or 10.2.4.3.2.
3. Decorations and Furnishings. Decorations and furnishings that do not meet the definition of interior finish as defined in 3.3.120 shall be regulated by the provisions of Section 10.3.
4. Contents and Furnishings. Where required by the applicable provisions of this Code, draperies, curtains, and other similar loosely hanging furnishings and decorations shall be flame resistant as demonstrated by testing in accordance with NFPA 701, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films.
5. Furnishings or decorations of an explosive or highly flammable character shall not be used.
6. Where required by the applicable provisions of this Code, furnishings and contents made with foamed plastic materials that are unprotected from ignition shall have a heat release rate not exceeding 100 kW when tested in accordance with UL 1975, Standard for Fire Tests for Foamed Plastics Used for Decorative Purpose.
11. Food Preparation
The following regulations apply to food preparation within Institute buildings:
all appliances must be U.L. approved.
all appliances shall be plugged directly into a wall receptacle for use.
only one appliance may be used per wall receptacle; no cube taps may be used for high amperage appliances.
no open-coil appliances may be used.
no cooking is permitted in any rooms within a residence hall that has a kitchen.
no deep-fat frying.
maintain high standards of cleanliness; keep cooking area and utensils clean, and dispose of wastes properly and immediately.