Environmental Health & Safety
Fire Hazards
Electrical Abuse
Electrical “octopuses” or cube taps can overheat receptacles and cords, which can result in fire. Extension cords and power strips are for limited use only and should be used for electrically sensitive equipment and not used with any heat generating device.
Extension cords are for temporary use only. They should be large enough to provide adequate voltage to the intended appliance. If an extension cord becomes sensibly warm, the wire is too small. They should not exceed six feet in length, should be UL listed, three pronged and at least as load bearing as the cord of the appliance being fed. Plugging an extension cord into another to make the cord longer is not permitted. Signs of abuse are flickering lights, dimming lights and exceptionally warm cords. Power strips myst be UL 1363 listed or UL 1363A listed within patient vacinity.
Appliances
Heating and Cooking
Heating and cooking devices are a major cause of accidental fires and their misuse is a serious concern at the University of Rochester. Therefore, certain regulations governing their use have been established. Heating, cooling, and cooking appliances permitted in the university offices and lounges are restricted to coffee makers, espresso machines, refrigerators, fans and microwaves. All cooking and heating appliances must be turned off when unattended.
Space Heaters
Only approved university-owned space heaters are permitted in offices (space heaters are not allowed in hospitals or clinical areas). Devices with unprotected heating elements are strictly forbidden. All appliances must be UL approved, ceramic type heater and any device drawing more than 400 watts must connect directly to an outlet without the use of an extension cord.
Corridor Obstructions
Fire safety codes dictate that corridors be kept clear of obstacles. The University Fire Marshal must approve corridor storage, and then all items must be stored on the same side. Bulk items such as excess furniture should be stored in designated areas, never in corridors. No supplies or equipment of any sort may be stored in fire exit stairways. Refer to University Corridor Utilization Policy for specifics. Law prohibits storage of bicycles, chairs, desks and other items, including shoes, boots and rubbers in exit ways.
Hazardous Storage
All trash should be disposed of daily. In laboratories, storage of flammable liquids should be limited to immediate requirements. Privately owned gasoline – or propane – fed engines are forbidden in occupied buildings. Electrical closets may not be used for storage.
All persons who work with hazardous chemicals must be familiar with university safety policies, guidelines, and regulations; usage of all type of fire extinguishers available at the university; and usage of emergency equipment such as eye wash stations, chemical showers, and alarm equipment.
All chemical laboratories and storerooms should be locked when unoccupied to minimize the risk of unauthorized removal of hazardous chemicals.
Any incident requiring emergency action and/or the use of emergency equipment must be reported to Public Safety and the University Fire Marshal.
Excessive storage of chemicals in exhaust hoods is poor practice.
Smoking is absolutely prohibited in all laboratories.
The laboratory storage of any substance which would increase the fire spread potential of another substance (such as storing an oxidizer with a flammable liquid) is prohibited.
Electrical Appliances/Electrical Wiring
Cooking appliances such as grills and portable ovens (including hotplates and George Forman Grills) are not permitted for use in student rooms. The same appliances are also prohibited from use in individual offices.
No refreshment areas in hallways/corridors or hall closets or alcoves (microwaves, refrigerators, toaster, coffee pots, etc.)
Coffee makers are permitted in individual rooms including offices but must be turned off and unplugged when unattended for extended periods such as over night.
Electrical heating blankets and electrical heating pads are prohibited.
Cooking
The use of butane cooking equipment is prohibited for use inside both permanent and temporary structures (tents). (Reference 9NYCRR 1163.7)
Keep all areas around cooking appliances free of combustibles and grease.
Open Flames
Any use of open flames requires approval from the University Fire Marshal’s Office.
Bon Fires
A bon fire requires notification to the Monroe County Health Department and to the University Fire Marshal’s Office at least one week prior to the event. Extinguishing requirements described above must be met and the fire must be at least 50 feet from any building unless an exemption has been granted.
Malicious Tampering with Fire Safety Devices and Equipment
Proper functioning of fire safety devices and equipment is an essential part of maximizing fire protection for all persons on university properties. There is an ongoing program of testing and upgrading of systems, components and firefighting equipment. Tampering with any of these may seriously reduce the level of protection afforded by alarm systems, automatic sprinklers, extinguishers, detectors, etc. Each person must refrain from any such activity and should try to dissuade others who in any way attempt to reduce the effectiveness of protection. This includes the misuse of extinguishers, damaging alarm systems including the associated wiring and piping and disabling signaling devices such as horns or strobes. Tampering or damaging a fire alarm system or device(s) is a federal offense.
Fire Lanes
Emergency apparatus must have clear unobstructed access to all university buildings. To facilitate this access, fire lanes are established and properly marked as such. No parking or other obstruction of fire lanes is permitted and enforcement is by the parking department.
QUESTIONS or COMMENTS?
Contact EH&S at (585) 275-3241 or e-mail EH&S Questions.
This page last updated 11/24/2021. Disclaimer.
