Fire Safety

The best defense against a fire is to prevent one from starting. This can be done by maintaining good housekeeping and not allowing combustible (paper, cardboard, sawdust) and flammable (chemicals, fuel) to accumulate.

If you see smoke or fire in the building sound the alarm and evacuate immediately. Do not try to find the source to put out the fire. In all fire incidents, you should:

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    Make sure you always have a safe exit route away from the fire

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    Notify co-workers by shouting out that there is a fire

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    Notify emergency services by pulling the fire alarm, dialing 911 and dialing 13000 (Campus Safety)

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    Never assume a false alarm and evacuate the building every time the alarm sounds.

Fire Extinguishers

In order to use a fire extinguisher, you must first be trained on its use. If you are present when a fire starts and feel comfortable putting out a small fire, it is acceptable to use a fire extinguisher. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) requires employees to be familiar with the use of a fire extinguisher. If you have not received Fire Extinguisher training you should never attempt to use one. It is not just a matter of picking the fire extinguisher, pulling the pin, and squeezing. The training provides instruction on (1) the four types of fires, (2) the type of extinguisher to use for the applicable fire, and (3) how to operate a fire extinguisher. Contact your supervisor about proper training. If you see that a fire extinguisher is missing, damaged, or has an out-of-date inspection sticker call Facilities Management at 1-4511.

Fire Drills

Building fire drills take place to confirm that occupants respond appropriately to the fire alarm by evacuating the building. You should always be aware of egress routes in any building you are in. Evacuate the building if you hear the fire alarm. If time permits, turn off any gas or electrical systems. Even if it’s a drill, your responsibility is to evacuate in a timely manner.

Hot Work

Every year fires destroy buildings costing millions of dollars. The insurance industry reports that a high percentage of these fires are caused by hot work. What is hot work? Hot work is defined as any temporary operation, involving open flames or producing heat and/or sparks. Examples of hot work include torch cutting, welding, soldering, brazing, and grinding. All hot work requires a Hot Work Permit.

Performing hot work without the authorization of a Hot Work Permit is not only a violation of DU policy but could result in a catastrophic event. Please contact the Director of EH&S at 303-871-7501, if you have any questions about this matter.