Environmental Health & Safety

General

• People die or are seriously injured each year from smoke inhalation from being trapped in burning buildings
• Fire safety features have been designed into modern buildings for the purpose of saving lives during such an emergency
• These safety features should not be defeated.

Open Stairway Doors

• Stairways act as a barrier system to restrict fire and smoke from exit ways
• Blocking stairway doors open will allow fire and smoke to fill the escape route if a fire occurs

Obstructed Corridors

• Clear exit corridors are a basic requirement for a quick exit from a burning, smoke filled, or earthquake-damaged building
• Hallways are less effective when used as storage areas
• Hallway obstructions seriously hinder or prevent personnel from exiting a building quickly and easily during emergencies

Ignored Fire Alarms

• Don't ignore a fire alarm; when an alarm sounds, EXIT THE BUILDING IMMEDIATELY
• Do not wait until you personally detect evidence of smoke or heat, as a delay could cost you your life
• The only time to ignore a fire alarm is if you know for sure that the alarm is only a test

Elevators

• Stairways should be used for exiting upper floors of a building during an emergency
• Do not attempt to use the elevator, as it may stop or be inoperable
• If you are a person with disabilities, refer to Evacuation Procedures for Persons with Disabilities
• If injured, follow the appropriate evacuation option below

Evacuation Options

There are three basic evacuation options:

• Use building exits to the outside ground level or go into unaffected wings of multi-building complexes
• Use stairs to reach ground level exits from the building
• Stay in place:
  • The safest place to take refuge during a fire is a stair enclosure if contact can be made with rescue personnel
  • Unless danger is imminent, occupants can remain in a room with an exterior window, a telephone, and a solid or fire resistant door
  • Individuals can keep in contact with emergency response personnel after reporting the location directly
  • On-site emergency personnel will determine the necessity for evacuation
  • Phone lines are expected to remain in service during most building emergencies
  • If phone lines fail, individuals can signal from the window by waving a cloth or other visible object.
  • Most appropriate for
    • Sprinkler-protected buildings
    • An occupant who is alone when the alarm sounds
    • Fire resistance capability of of doors can be ascertained by EH&S