EHS Programs & Services
Safety Inspections
NOTICE: Any boxes, equipment or furniture that has been placed in a hallway or stairwell is subject to removal at the request of EHS. Items will be visibly tagged, and if the items have not been moved within 10 working days, an order will be made for Physical Plant Truck Services to take them to University Surplus.
Most of us give little thought to our surroundings until there is an accident. "Who put that cord across the floor?" "Who left those boxes in the hallway?" We all notice what should have been done after an accident has occurred.
We tend to assume that our offices and buildings are safe, and that any hazardous condition or activity will be dealt with accordingly.
If a knot of extension cords shorts out and causes a fire, would you be able to use the nearest fire extinguisher? What if the extinguisher is empty--or unreachable--or isn't even there? What if you're in an unfamiliar building and can't find your way out because the exit sign is burned out or missing? What if the emergency exit is blocked or locked? Who checks on these things?
All University-owned buildings are inspected by a Fire/Safety Inspector an average of three times a year. This is to ensure compliance with all applicable codes such as OSHA, EPA, ADA and NFPA Life Safety. Inspectors check for hazards such as burned out exit lights, improper storage of flammable items, blocked exits and congested hallways, unsecured pressurized cylinders, improper use of extension cords, missing guards on dangerous equipment, and poor housekeeping.
Departments are notified of safety violations with a Fire/Safety Reminder. This reminder notes the time and place the violations were found and allows 15 days (per University Policy 3-0826/4.08) for the condition to be corrected. EHS is more than willing to answer any questions or offer suggestions on how to remedy a hazard.
Anyone may report a condition or situation they feel might be a safety hazard by calling the EHS office at 744-7241. An Inspector will respond as soon as possible to determine what action needs to be taken. Another option is to use the Confidential Reporting System.
Inspectors also check all fire extinguishers in each building to make sure they are ready for emergency use. Sometimes extinguishers are found empty. Someone has either used it on a small unreported fire (all fires should be reported) or has discharged it "for fun." Occasionally extinguishers are stolen. If not discovered and corrected, these situations can make a big fire out of a little one. In 1990, Residential Life was billed $1,042.75 for refilling and replacing fire extinguishers. Injuries and damages resulting from a small fire that gets out of control can cost a lot more. The purpose of fire protection equipment is to be available when needed.
The Environmental Health & Safety
Department is responsible for the installation, location, maintenance, inspection,
refilling and (when necessary) replacement of all 4,500 fire extinguishers on campus and
in outlying areas. Different extinguishers have different uses, as noted below.
When installing extinguishers on campus, EHS tries to install the type of extinguisher
that would most likely be needed in a given location.
Five Main Types of Extinguishers and Their Uses:
- APW
- Air Pressurized Water, used mainly on wood, paper and trash. Do not use on chemicals, grease or electrical wiring.
- ABC
- Contains mono-ammonium phosphate with a nitrogen carrier and other ingredients to keep it flowing. Used on paper, trash, wood, liquid greases, and electrical wiring--not for computers or radio equipment.
- DC
- Dry Chemical: basically, baking soda with nitrogen carrier and other ingredients. Used for liquid greases and electrical--not for paper, wood or computers.
- Halon
- Bromochlorodifluormethane, good for computers and electronic equipment. Also can be used on paper trash, wood, and liquid greases.
- CO2
- Carbon Dioxide: good for chemicals, grease, petroleum products, low-voltage electrical wiring and computers--but not for wood, paper or trash, or high-voltage electrical wiring.