It is a small world:-) thank you very much for your suggestions and info it will
be helpful!
Chris

Paul Sincaglia wrote:

> Chris-
>
> Out of nothing but coincidence, my wife is an Otterbien Alum.
>
> Anyway, your first line of defense is the Ohio Fire Code (BOCA for you folks
> outside OH):
>
> (3) F-402.3 Candles:
> A person shall not utilize or allow to be utilized, any open flame, burning
> candle or candles in connection with any public meeting or gathering for
> purposes of deliberation, worship, entertainment, amusement, instruction,
> education, recreation, awaiting transportation or similar purpose in
> assembly or educational occupancies without first obtaining approval.
>
> F-402.3.1 Egress:
> Candles shall not be permitted in areas where occupants stand, or in an
> aisle or exit.
>
> As far as "approval", that belongs to the primary AHJ...I presume
> Westerville FD...if they have no objection, then I suppose it is up to you.
>
> Beyond that, you could also enforce the items on Open Burning.  From a code
> standpoint it is a bit of stretch, but the definition of open burning is
> wide enough that it seems to cover it.
>
> If somebody were to press the issue further, Section 402.1 of the Ohio Fire
> code makes it clear that any open flame or light (which a candle is) needs
> to be in a glass globe or wire mesh cage.  Once you add those items, almost
> all typical candles are out anyway.
>
> Also, if you need to mount a stronger defense, go to NFPA's website.  I
> believe they have some candle fire data.  It is really pretty harsh
> statistically and should make a desire to ban or significantly limit use of
> candles on campus pretty easy.
>
> If you need anything else, feel free to give me a call
>
> Good Luck
>
> Paul E. Sincaglia, P.E.
> Firesafety Solutions, Inc.
> Chagrin Falls, OH
> 440.247.3770
> [log in to unmask]
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: International Association of Campus Fire Safety Officials
> > [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Chris Steiner
> > Sent: Friday, April 06, 2001 9:06 AM
> > To: [log in to unmask]
> > Subject: Candle Policies & Procedures
> >
> >
> > We are also mulling over a candle policy here at Otterbein, we have a
> > small chapel here on campus, and have some people lobbying for candle
> > use for religious gatherings. We also discussed this topic at the last
> > meeting here in Columbus, where some administrators were allowing
> > "responsible" and "mature" adults that lived on campus, have candles,
> > but no students were allowed to have candles. I believe this is reckless
> > policy. it only takes one mishap (unattended candle burning, someone
> > tripping with candle in hand, etc...) to have tragic results!
> > Any policies and suggestions you might have would be greatly
> > appreciated, as i will print them and present them to our
> > administrators.
> > Thanks,
> > Chris Steiner
> > Safety & Security Officer
> > Otterbein College
> >