Environmental Health and Safety
Fire Prevention Reminders
Fire safety guidelines to help prevent fires or reduce risks:
·
Avoid stacking combustible materials (paper, cardboard, wood) on
top of cabinets and high shelves.
·
Do not block sprinkler heads or intended water trajectory with
temporary walls, high furniture (shelves & cabinets), or stacked goods.
·
Do not hang objects or secure cables on sprinkler lines or heads.
·
Keep clutter to a minimum.
·
Keep flammable chemicals in fireproof cabinets or containers.
·
Keep oily or solvent soaked rags in covered containers.
·
Use solvents only in well-ventilated areas, free from
spark-producing sources.
·
Do not block electrical panels, fuse boxes, or obstruct access to
extinguishers.
·
Know where the emergency or main power switch is located for large
equipment, equipment posing special hazards, or equipment with moving parts.
·
Keep electrical equipment in good operating condition. Use only UL (Underwriter’s Laboratory)
listed, certified, or approved equipment.
·
Never attempt to fix an electrical extension cord (replace it) or
electrical equipment (call Maintenance for assistance).
·
Never cut off the grounding prong (rounded third prong) on an
electrical plug.
·
Never shunt across a fuse socket (by using a penny or other metal
object in place of an appropriate fuse).
It is extremely dangerous to circumvent safety systems. Do not use
a fuse rated higher than what is specified for the circuit.
·
Do not run 110-volt equipment on 220 voltage or vise versa.
·
Do not use electrical equipment near a sink, or other water, and
keep liquids away from electrical outlets and equipment. [this is especially important in older
buildings without Ground Fault Interrupters (GFI)]
·
Never hang or string electrical cords along ceilings or high on
walls. Never use electrical cords to
hang objects from.
·
Use only grounded electrical extension cords and ensure that they
are not damaged (no exposed wires or loose plugs). Avoid stepping on or stretching extension
cords (or any electrical cord). Use the
right cord for the equipment/load and intended environment.
·
Use appropriate (fused) multi-plug extension units – don’t overload
outlets with gimmicky multi-plug units.
·
Avoid overloading circuits (if you are using a lot of electrical
equipment in one place, check with Maintenance Dept. to see if additional
circuits are needed in your area).
·
If you must use a space heater, ensure that it meets safety
guidelines and you use it wisely:
·
Always shut device off when leaving the area (even for short
periods like lunch)
·
Keep at least 36” from combustible material
·
Use only UL approved devices
·
Kerosene, LPG or similar fueled or solid
fuel heaters are prohibited. Electrical
fan driven devices are preferred.
·
Must have temperature limit cutoff device.
·
Must have "tip-over" automatic shutoff
switch.
·
Do not smoke inside the building and never place cigarette butts or
spent matches in a trashcan or on dry vegetation.
·
Take extra precautions around Christmas with any combustible
decorations and lighting (carefully check cords for damage, heat generation,
and don’t leave open sockets exposed).
Cords generate heat, keep them away from combustible materials. Don’t use candles.
·
Do not store combustible products in mechanical rooms, stairways or
hallways.
·
When stacking boxes and other materials leave at least 18” between
stack and ceiling.
·
Take precautions whenever working around open flames. Special procedures might be required when
using flammable gases (check with EH&S 4428).