The focus of the Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management
Association listserv on this particular day focused on a fire safety
issue I though was worth cross-posting. If you are interested in responding,
please do so directly to Ms. Dyan Martin at <[log in to unmask]>.
By the way, Randy Hormann has done a terrific job building an impressive
listserv in record time. I hope you all benefit from this valuable networking
tool. Well done Randy!
Mike Coons
Director, Radiation Safety Officer
Miami University
Department of Safety
Environmental Health and Safety Offices
**********************************
snip
Date: Wed, 22 Sep 1999 11:02:55 -0400
snip
To all-
I've got a problem with our local Fire Marshal's office and the Housing
folks here. They want us to keep our fire extinguisher cabinets unlocked at
all times, but the Housing folks want to keep them locked because of
vandalism.
The fire inspector wants hammers installed on these locked cabinets, but
Housing says they'd spend a king's ransom to continually replace hammers due
to theft. What I'd like to know is what does the rest of the civilized
world do in the residence halls??? Thanks.
Dyan Martin
Vanderbilt University EH&S
Campus Safety Officer
www.safety.vanderbilt.edu
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 22 Sep 1999 10:47:29 -0600
From: John Delahunt <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: request from Vanderbilt
snip
We use plastic-front boxes if the extinguisher must be locked up. The
plastic is scored to allow simple breakage without a hammer. These are
commercially available.
But, in general, we leave extinguishers unlocked and we bill con malicio for
vandalism concerning FEs.
Billing con malicio for hammer theft would help alleviate that problem, too,
if we were putting hammers out there.
Hope this helps.
John
John DeLaHunt, EH&S Manager
The Colorado College
1125 Glen Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80905
(719)389-6678 phone
(719)389-6981 fax
[log in to unmask]
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 22 Sep 1999 13:14:37 +0100
From: Anne Skinner <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: request from Vanderbilt
We fine the dorm if extinguishers are set off. Seems to work, most of the
time.
snip
Dr. Anne Skinner
Chemistry Department, Williams College
Bronfman Science Center
Williamstown, MA 01267
[log in to unmask]
Phone: (413) 597-2285
Fax No: (413) 597-4116
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 22 Sep 1999 12:37:34 -0500
From: "Stan Martin, CSP" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: request from Vanderbilt
When I arrived at SMU 5 years ago...I had the same problem. All our fire
extinguishers in the residence halls (and other buildings were kept under
lock and key in these beautiful glass display cases (I say that because that
is all they were good for. When we removed the glass then the little
darlings started to vandalize the extinguishers (stealing them and/or
discharging them). My concern was that the OSHA law says fire extinguishers
must be readily accessible. So one alternative was to install STOPPER II -
type devices on the extinguishers which set off a local high siren when the
unit is removed. Another alternative is to purchase a plastic wall unit that
can locked but is easy to break open with a good swift pull of the handle.
S.E. (Stan) Martin, CSP
Assistant Director, RMEH&S
Southern Methodist University
P.O.Box 750231
Dallas, TX 75275-0231
Phone: 214/768-3228
Fax: 214/768-4138
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
snip
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 22 Sep 1999 10:37:57 -0700
From: jon schmidt <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: request from Vanderbilt
Fay, my advice is find a way to comply. The cheapest way initially is to
unlock the cabinets. There is always a risk in student housing of things
disappearing-it is a cost of doing business. Fortunately those costs can
usually be recovered in the next year's rent structure. However, not
complying and having an incident that was compounded by difficult access to
fire extinguishers will result in very, very expensive claims, lawsuits, etc.
At UCSD we keep our cabinets unlocked, and in some cases simply hang
extinguishers on open hooks. I'm sure we lose a few of them but those
costs are easily recovered in the rent structure, we just pass it on to the
very students who steal them. Thanks, Jon
snip
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 22 Sep 1999 14:14:09 -0400
From: Richard Wadleigh <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: request from Vanderbilt
We use a theft alarm on our fire extinguishers, which are wall mounted on =
hooks, in some residence halls. The alarm cable can be routed through the =
pull ring from the neck of the fire extinguisher, then into the alarm. The =
alarms were use are from STI (800-888 478) or www.sti-usa.com. They make a =
selection of devices, including door alarms and protective grills for =
bells, detectors, thermostats, etc.
warning, these are not necessarily cheap. But, by using the theft alarm =
and pull station covers, we cut our "false alarm" rate many % and made our =
local fire department and inspector very happy. If anyone wants to =
discuss, please call me at 856 256-4567. Rich Wadleigh, Rowan Uneasily.=20
As far as "hammers" to break the glass on locked cabinets, go to your =
local lumber yard or builder's supply and buy the "L" bolts used to anchor =
sill plates to foundation, they are 8-10" long, drill a hole in the top =
corner of the box and just drop the bolt into it. It can be easily removed =
if needed and used as a hammer and they are much cheaper than the "hammer" =
(generally a piece of strap iron, paited red and short piece of chain) =
furnished with the boxes.
We also "sentence" students who tamper with fire protection equipment to =
be on-call to clean up any "accidental" discharged fire extinguishers. =
After cleaning up one dry chemical, they generally don't want to shoot one =
off again (or at least get caught).
Richard S. Wadleigh, CHCM, EMT
Associate Director of Public Safety
& Chief, EMS
Rowan University
201 Mullica Hill Road
Glassboro, NJ 08028-1701
(856) 256 4570
snip
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 22 Sep 1999 15:06:54 -0400
From: "A. Keith Furr" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: request from Vanderbilt
Several years ago we faced this problem at Virginia Tech alomg with
vandalisim of the fire alarm system. We had over 10,000 students in our
dorms. We solved the fire alarm problem by attaching "howler" alarms to
the individual pull station. This allows the vandal tobe quickly
identified- the students did not appreciate being awaked in the middle
of the night and since the whole building was not evacualted, the
violators did not get the rush that they wanted. Our false fire alarms
decreased by 90%. We did not have as severe a problem with the
extinguishers as you apparently did, but we simply made the student
housing office bear the expense of refilling and replacing damaged
units. They seemed to be efective in reducing the number of incidents.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 22 Sep 1999 15:04:02 -0400
From: Jim Robinson <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: request from Vanderbilt
In 1983, the Univ. of Maryland (College Park) removed all fire extinguishers and
cabinets from public spaces in all resident halls (47 buildings). The Life
Safety Code (NFPA101) states that extinguishers must be placed in "hazardous
areas" (16-3.5.5 & 17-3.5.3. It defines "hazardous areas" as areas of a
structure that pose a degree of hazard greater than that normal to the general
occupancy ..., such as areas used for storage or use of combustibles or
flammables; toxic, noxious, or corrosive materials; or heat producing
appliances. We put them only in main electrical rooms, maintenance shops, and
similar hazardous areas (about 95 extinguishers in 68 buildings now).
We convinced the State Fire Marshal, Maryland OSH, our insurance underwriters,
and the administration that fire extinguishers present a false sense of fire
safety. Our records showed that students delayed calling the fire department,
delayed activation of building fire alarms, and delayed evacuation resulting in
greater damage and injuries to those attempting to fight fires, usually
unsuccessfully.
Other strategies and equipment lead to a higher degree of fire safety - smoke
detectors in rooms for early warning, good maintenance on building fire alarm
systems, retrofitting of automatic sprinklers, evacuation drills, fire safety
education, reduction or elimination of combustible in corridors. It's difficult
to train this large population in the proper use of extinguishers. We can't
rely on building staff who spend time attending class & studying in the library
- they should manage the evacuation anyhow. And I'd venture a guess that your
extinguishers are mounted next to the stairwell doors, beneath the manual
stations to the fire alarm system. If they can get to the extinguisher, they
should simply pull the alarm to warn others and keep on going out to a safe
place.
We still have fires. Very small fires are usually extinguished by available
materials (water, towels, etc.). But because we don't have fire extinguishers,
there is a greater probability that the building fire alarm will be activated
and the fire department (we have a station on campus & 5 other stations within
3-4 miles) will be notified. Major fires (one's confined to the room of origin)
are very rare now.
In buildings where fire extinguishers are required, like business occupancies,
we put them in cabinets without the strikers on the theory that everyone carries
keys, books, a backpack or other heavy object that can be used to break the
glass. Glass is placed in cabinets only if there is a high probability of
vandalism or theft. In new construction, we are switching to locked cabinets
with a SAF-T-LOCK, a real firm tug on the door will allow it to open. You might
want to check with your risk management people. With or without the striker, you
have a risk of someone getting cut on broken glass.
Jim Robinson
Life Safety Systems
Facilities Management
Univ. of Maryland
301-405-3971
snip
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 22 Sep 1999 13:31:09 -0600
From: "mary d. chambers" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: request from Vanderbilt
When my daughter was a student at Brown University in the mid-80s, they charged
the specific hall where the extinguisher disappeared according to what she told
me.
snip
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 22 Sep 1999 16:05:13 -0400
From: Robin Elliott <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: request from Vanderbilt
At University of Delaware we have free access to the fire extinguishers
in the Residence Hall corridors, i.e. not locked or behind breakable
glass. Any vandalism to the extinguishers is billed to the responsible
party or floor if one is not identified. Seems to work fine here.
Robin Elliott, Director
Occupational Health and Safety
University of Delaware
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 22 Sep 1999 15:35:54 -0400
From: Bernadette Lenahan Mondy <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Position Available - Fire Safety Engineer, Virginia Tech
Please pass on to any interested parties. Thanks
>
>Virginia Tech is the senior land-grant university in the Commonwealth of
>Virginia and has a combined graduate and undergraduate population of 25,000
>students in seven colleges with an annual budget of approximately $500
>million. Virginia Tech provides careers to over 3,000 non-faculty employees
>in hundreds of different occupations. Two positions currently available in
>our Environmental Health and Safety Services Department include:
>
>Fire Safety Engineer (7488T)
>
>As a member of the Environmental Health and Safety Services Department, this
>position supervises the development and implementation of fire and life
>safety programs for the university in accordance with OSHA regulations and
>related requirements. This position also acts as a liaison to local, state,
>and federal agencies for fire and life safety compliance issues and
>emergencies and serves as a consultant to the university community for fire
>and life safety issues. Position requirements include a bachelor's degree
>in engineering, safety, or fire science or equivalent training and
>experience and experience developing and implementing programs to meet OSHA
>regulations and consensus standards which demonstrate knowledge of the
>interpretations, technical principles, practices, equipment and procedures
>used to comply with fire and life safety codes and related OSHA regulations.
>The ideal candidate is comfortable working as a team member, a facilitator,
>and a leader and can illustrate success in using a consultative manner with
>clients. Normal starting salary: $32,510. Review of applications will
>begin on August 30.
>
>For a complete listing of the position requirements, please visit our web
>site at http://www.vt.edu or call us at 540-231-9331 or 540-231-6258 for
>persons with hearing impairments. To apply, please submit a resume and cover
>letter to: Personnel Services, Southgate Center - First Floor (0318),
>Blacksburg, VA 24061. Applications may also be completed on-line or may be
>downloaded from our web site. Please refer to the specific job title and
>number on all documents. Individuals with disabilities desiring assistance
>or accommodation in the application process should call us by the
>application deadline. AN EO/AA EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY.
>
>
>
Bernadette Lenahan Mondy
Co-Director
Environmental Health and Safety Services
Virginia Tech
Phone: (540) 231-8758
Fax: (540) 231-3944
Web Address: www.ehss.vt.edu
|
