Fire Prevention & Safety

This safety awareness initiative will help all of us become better stewards of safety conditions throughout the campus.

It is each person′s responsibility to maintain compliance in their office and campus living space.

Helpful Information from OFPC

Portable heaters and fish tanks must be plugged directly into an outlet.

One of the violations with a common occurrence throughout the college is improper use of power strips and extension cords. These cannot be used in place of permanent wiring. Below are a few examples of improper and proper use. If you need a new power strip you can get one at the warehouse with 6 ft. or 12 ft. long cords, an account number is required. All small appliances (ex. fridges, microwaves) must be plugged directly into an outlet. If there are no outlets left in your office for these items then they need to be removed and you need to submit a work order to see if we can wire the additional outlets or we will ask that the appliances not be used in the future.

Extension cords cannot be plugged into power strips;
extension cords are for temporary use only!

Safe: Power strips must be plugged directly into an outlet.	Unsafe: Daisy-chained power strips are prohibited.

30 Second Space Heater Safety Video

Fire Science Online guide outlines risk factors and examines school and student responsibilities for fire safety.

Fire Science Online College Student Guide to Fire Safety and Education

• One drill must be conducted between Sept. 1 and Dec. 1
• One must utilize fire escapes when present
• One during the hours of darkness
• All occupants are required to participate

• One drill must be conducted between Sept. 1 and Dec. 1
• One must utilize fire escapes when present
• In buildings where summer sessions are conducted, one of the required drills must be held during the first week of each summer session
• All occupants are required to participate

• One drill must be conducted between Sept. 1st and Dec. 1st
• One must utilize fire escapes when present
• All occupants are required to participate
• For staff

Answer: Fire is a chemical reaction involving rapid burning of fuel. It needs three elements to occur.

• Oxygen
• Fuel — Any combustible material that will burn
• Heat — Energy necessary to increase the temperature

Answer: No. Fires and fire extinguishers are categorized into different classifications. Use:

• Class A Fire Extinguisher for Class A Fires — Ordinary Solid Combustibles
• Class B Fire Extinguisher for Class B Fires — Flammable Liquids and Gases
• Class C Fire Extinguisher for Class C Fires — Energized Electrical Equipment
• Class D Fire Extinguisher for Class D Fires — Metals
• Class K Fire Extinguisher for Class K Fires — Oils and Fats

Some fire extinguishers are marked with multiple ratings such as AB, BC and ABC. These extinguishers are capable of putting out more than one class of fire.

Answer: Use the PASS system

• Pull — Pull the pin! This will allow you to discharge the extinguisher.
• Aim — Aim at the base of the fire! If you aim at the flames, the fire will roll back toward you. The extinguishing agent will fly right through the fire and will not extinguish the flames.
• Squeeze — Squeeze the top handle or lever. This will depress the button that releases the pressurized extinguishing agent in the extinguisher.
• Sweep — Sweep from side to side until the fire is out. This will prevent the fire from spreading out to the side.

Answer: Check the plastic seal holding the pin in the extinguishing handle to ensure it has not been tampered with or used before.

Look at the pressure gauge on the top of the extinguisher to make sure the needle is in the green area. If it is, the extinguisher is fully charged and okay to use. If it is in the red area labeled recharge, do not use; your extinguisher needs to be recharged. If it is in the red area labeled overcharge, use caution because there is excessive pressure inside the extinguisher and it may be difficult to use.

Lift to feel the weight of the extinguisher. Is it full? The extinguishing agent should move freely inside the extinguisher when tipped upside down. If it doesn′t, gently tap the extinguisher on a hard surface to dislodge the agent. Check to see if the agent is moving freely. If not, continue this process until it is released.

Answer: Call 911 to report the fire so they can dispatch help. You may attempt to put out the fire if:

• The fire is in the incipient stage (has not spread beyond it′s starting point).
• You have been previously trained on how to properly use a fire extinguisher.
• You feel comfortable using the fire extinguisher.
• You have an escape exit.

Answer: Never fight a fire if:

• The fire is spreading beyond the spot of origin.
• You can′t fight the fire with your back to an escape exit.
• You don′t have adequate fire equipment (the right type of extinguisher for the fire you are fighting).
• You have not been trained on how to use a fire extinguisher.
• You don′t know what is burning. There may be something in the fire that may explode or produce toxic smoke.

Answer:

• Make sure you call 911 for help BEFORE you attempt to put out the fire.
• Be certain that you will not endanger yourself or others when attempting to put out a fire.
• The time to use a fire extinguisher is in the incipient stage of a fire.
• If the fire is spreading quickly, it is best to simply evacuate the building, closing doors and windows behind you as you leave.
• If you don′t have the correct type or large enough fire extinguisher, it is best not to try to fight a fire.

Always remember: If in doubt, evacuate!