Environmental Health & Safety
Safety Instruction
15
Fire Safety Guide - Exits
Update 11/14/2008
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
:
T
he 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