Fire Safety Procedures

Department of Safety and Risk Management

June 2000

1

Table of Contents

Section # / Policy Name /
Page
Forward / ii
73-00-00 / Fire Safety Policy/Procedure Statement / 1
73-00-51 / Quantityof FlammableandCombustible Liquids Procedure / 4
73-00-52 / CompressedGas Cylinder Storage and Usage Procedure / 9
73-00-53 / Constructionand Renovation Approval Procedure / 11
73-00-54 / FireSealingof Penetrations Procedure / 19
73-00-98 / Enforcementof Fire SafetyPolicies/Procedures / 23
73-00-99 / Modificationof Fire Safety Policies/Procedures / 26

Forward

According to the United States Fire Administration, fire kills thousands of Americans each year, injures hundreds of thousands, destroys billions of dollars in property, and costs tens of billions of dollars overall. Unfortunately, colleges and universities are not immune to the ravages of fire. In 1997, universities nationwide reported over 1,500 fires, injuring 33 individuals and costing over $7,000,000 in losses.

As a means of assuring a proactive stance toward fire safety at Georgia State University, the Department of Safety and Risk Management and the University’s Fire Safety Committee have developed this Fire Safety Procedure Manual. The purpose of the manual is to provide the members of our campus community with the basic requirements of the University’s fire safety program. All faculty and staff members are subject to the requirements in this manual.

It is hoped that these procedures will provide our students a safer college experience and also protect our faculty, staff and visitors to the campus.

Carl V. Patton

President

1

73-00-00 FIRE SAFETY POLICY/PROCEDURE STATEMENT

PURPOSE

Georgia State University is committed to creating an environment that is safe for its employees, students, visitors and the environment. The purpose of this document is to establish an organizational structure to ensure the effective implementation of this policy at all University locations.

IMPACT ON CAMPUS COMMUNITY

This policy applies to all faculty and staff members, along with students, contractors and vendors of Georgia State University.

REQUIREMENTS

All employees, students, visitors, vendors and contractors are expected to comply with the statements that follow. Each department or unit may supplement this policy document with specific procedures about hazards in their workplace and the precautions necessary to control and prevent these hazards. These supplements, prepared in cooperation with the Department of Safety and Risk Management, may be in the form of, as examples, written procedures or training programs.

The responsibility for the administration of the University's fire safety program is assigned to the Department of Safety and Risk Management. Implementation of this policy is the responsibility of the entire University community - staff, faculty, students, vendors and contractors.

Applicable federal and state laws and regulations, together with policies and procedures issued by or through the Department of Safety and Risk Management (DSRM) will provide the guidance under which the University will conduct its fire safety program.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative Officials

Administrative Officials have the primary responsibility for maintaining a safe work environment within their jurisdiction, by monitoring and exercising control over their assigned areas.

Administrative Officials (President, Vice Presidents, and Deans) will:

  1. Communicate to all faculty members, employees and students that the safety of persons in the workplace and environment are of the highest priority at Georgia State University.
  1. Ensure that fire safety policies are carried out in the academic departments or administrative units for which they are responsible.
  1. Ensure that fire safety policies established are applicable to their program are carried out. This includes assuring compliance with applicable state and national fire safety rules, regulations, standards and procedures. Included, for example, are regulations of the State Fire Marshal, the National Fire Protection Association, and policies and procedures established by the Department of Safety and Risk Management.
  1. Monitor implementation of programs designed to ensure fire safety:

a. Consult with the Department of Safety and Risk Management with respect to new, existing or planned facilities or equipment that may present a fire safety hazard to determine specific measures that may need to be implemented to control these hazards before exposure to these hazards may occur.

  1. Support measures such as training, use of protective devices and resources to control and prevent hazards.

5.Provide appropriate financial support for fire safety improvements, or request assistance from the next higher level of supervision regarding these requests.

Supervisors

All supervisors (department chairs, faculty and other employees with direct oversight of University activities and employees or students) have a specific responsibility to provide for the fire safety of those supervised. They are in important positions in the organization to carry out the University's safety policies and to prevent injuries to their employees.

Supervisors will:

  1. Be knowledgeable of appropriate University and Departmental fire safety policies, rules and procedures and how they specifically apply to their responsibilities and authority.
  1. Inform all new and current employees and students that fire safety is a priority at Georgia State and inform them about fire safety policies, rules, regulations and procedures, as well as their specific responsibilities (see section on Employees and Students).
  1. Ensure that required fire safety equipment, devices and personal protective equipment and apparel are provided and maintained, and are properly used by individuals working in their operations.
  1. Provide employees and students with instruction and assistance in the proper operation of equipment or materials involved in any operation that may be potentially hazardous.
  1. Take prompt corrective action when unsafe conditions, practices or equipment are reported or observed.
  1. Encourage prompt reporting of fire safety concerns.
  1. Coordinate or conduct fire inspections to maintain safe conditions, and address any deficiencies that are identified.
  1. Provide for fire safety training.
  1. Provide appropriate financial support for fire safety improvements, or request assistance from the next higher level of supervision regarding these requests.
  1. Follow-up on all identified problems until resolved.

Employees and Students

Employees, students, vendors and contractors have specific responsibilities to comply with established fire safety policies, standards, rules, procedures and regulations. Compliance with these is essential to create and maintain a safe environment at all University locations.

Employees, students, vendors and contractors will:

  1. Comply with applicable fire safety policies, standards, rules, regulations and procedures. These include safety-related signs, posters, warnings and written/oral directions when performing tasks.
  1. Not perform any function or operation that is considered hazardous, or is known to be hazardous without proper instructions and authorization.
  1. Only use equipment and materials approved or provided by the supervisor or instructor and for which instruction has been provided.
  1. Become thoroughly knowledgeable about potential hazards associated with the work area; knowing where information on these hazards is maintained and how to use this information when needed.
  1. Wear or use prescribed protective equipment.
  1. Report all unsafe conditions, practices or equipment to the supervisor, instructor or safety officer when deficiencies are observed.

Version 1.0 June 2000

73-00-51 QUANTITY OF FLAMMABLE AND

COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS PROCEDURE

PURPOSE

Limitations on quantities and the proper use and storage of flammable and combustible liquids are required to control fire hazards.

GOVERNING REGULATIONS

  • O.C.G.A. Title 25, Chapter 2
  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 45, Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals

IMPACT ON CAMPUS COMMUNITY

All users of flammable and combustible liquids must establish safeguards regarding use and storage.

PROGRAM

This policy applies to all department, vendors and contractors to regulate the quantity of flammable and combustible liquids. It addresses quantities in use as well as those in storage in approved storage cabinets. It does not address storage in specifically constructed flammable liquid storage rooms. See Appendix A for definitions of flammable and combustible liquids.

REQUIREMENTS

  1. All personnel should be familiar with the flammability rating and the characteristics of all chemicals used. The classification or flammability may be found on the product label, material safety data sheet, product literature and other sources.
  1. Maximum quantities of flammable and combustible liquids in research laboratory units and general-purpose laboratory units shall be in accordance with the following tables.

3. Allowable maximum quantities of flammable and combustible liquids in undergraduate instructional laboratory units shall not exceed 50% of that indicated in the following tables.

Maximum Quantities of Flammable and

Combustible Liquids in Laboratory Units

Excluding Quantities in Storage Cabinets and Safety Cans
Liquid Class / Maximum Quantity per
100 sq. ft. of Lab Unit / Maximum Quantity***
per Lab Unit

I*

/ 20 L (5 gal) / 1136 L (300 gal)
I, II and IIIA** / 38 L (10 gal) / 1515 L (400 gal)

Maximum Quantities of Flammable and

Combustible Liquids in Laboratory Units

Including Quantities in Storage Cabinets and Safety Cans
Liquid Class / Maximum Quantity per
100 sq. ft. of Lab Unit / Maximum Quantity***
per Lab Unit
I* / 38 L (10 gal) / 2270 L (600 gal)
I, II and IIIA** / 76 L (20 gal) / 3028 L (800 gal)

Notes:

*Class I liquid maximum shall be inclusive of Class IA, IB and IC collectively.

**The maximum quantities of Class I liquids shall not exceed the quantities specified for Class I alone.

***The more restrictive quantity, based on either the Maximum Quantity per 100 sq. or Maximum Quantity Per Lab Unit, shall apply in all cases.

4.Maximum allowable container size for use in all laboratories shall be in accordance with the following table.

Maximum Allowable Container Capacity

Flammable Liquids***Combustible Liquids***
Container Type /
IA
/ IB / IC / II / IIIA
Glass / 500 ml
(1 pt)* /

1 L

(1 pt)* / 4 L
(1.1 gal) / 4 L
(1.1 gal) /

20 L

(5 gal)
Metal or approved plastic / 4 L
(1.1 gal) / 20 L
(5 gal) / 20 L
(5 gal) / 20 L
(5 gal) / 20 L
(5 gal)
Safety cans / 10 L
(2.6 gal) / 20 L
(5 gal) / 20 L
(5 gal) / 20 L
(5 gal) / 20 L
(5 gal)
Metal drum (DOT spec.) / 0 / 20 L
(5 gal) / 20 L
(5 gal) / 227 L
(60 gal) / 227 L
(60 gal)
Polyethylene** / 4 L
(1.1 gal) / 20 L
(5 gal) / 20 L
(5 gal) / 227 L
(60 gal) / 227 L
(60 gal)

Notes:

*Glass containers, as large as 4 L shall be permitted to be used if needed and if the required purity would be adversely affected by storage in a metal or an approved plastic container, or if the liquid would cause excessive corrosion or degradation of a metal or an approved plastic container.

**DOT Spec. 34, UN 1H1, or as authorized by DOT exemption.

***In instructional laboratory work areas, no container for Class I or Class II liquids shall exceed a capacity of 4 L, except that safety cans shall be permitted to have an 8 L capacity.

  1. Flammable or combustible liquids shall not be stored in ordinary refrigerators. Storage of flammable or combustible liquids in well-sealed containers is permissible in approved flammable materials storage refrigerators, in refrigerators approved for Class I, Division I, Group C and D or refrigerators that have been site-modified to include:

a. Relocation of manual temperature controls to the exterior of the storage compartment, sealing all points where capillary tubing or wiring formerly entered the storage compartment;

  1. Removal of light switches and light assemblies and sealing of all resulting openings; and
  2. Replacement of positive mechanical door latches with magnetic door gaskets.
  1. Every laboratory refrigerator should be clearly marked to indicate whether it is safe for storage of flammable materials. Internal laboratory procedures should ensure that laboratory refrigerators are being properly used. Labels that can be used on laboratory refrigerators include:

Label used for unmodified

domestic refrigerators.

Label for laboratory-safe or

modified domestic refrigerators

  1. Incompatible materials shall be segregated to prevent accidental contact with one another.
  1. Flammable and combustible liquids stored in the open in the laboratory work area shall be kept to the minimum necessary for the work being conducted.
  1. All containers used for storage of flammable and combustible liquids shall be labeled as to content in accordance with good laboratory practice and the State of Georgia’s “Right to Know” laws.

Appendix A

Definitions

Flammable Liquid: A liquid having a flashpoint below 100°F and having a vapor pressure not exceeding 40 pounds per square inch at 100°F shall be known as a Class I liquid. Class I liquids shall be sub-divided as follows:

  • Class IA (Flammability Rating 4) shall include those having flashpoints below 73°F and having a boiling point below 100°F.
  • Class IB (Flammability Rating 3) shall include those having flashpoints below 73°F and having a boiling point at or above 100°F.
  • Class IC (Flammability Rating 3) shall include those having flashpoints at or above 73°F and below 100°F.

Combustible Liquid: A liquid having a flashpoint at or above 100°F. Combustible liquids shall be sub-divided as follows:

  • Class II (Flammability Rating 2) shall include those having flashpoints at or above 100°F and below 140°F.
  • Class IIIA (Flammability Rating 2) liquids shall include those having flashpoints at or above 140°F and below 200°F.
  • Class IIIB (Flammability Rating 1) liquids shall include those having flashpoints at or above 200°F.

Laboratory Unit: An enclosed space used for experiments or tests. Laboratory units may or may not include offices, other laboratories and other contiguous rooms maintained for or used by laboratory personnel, and corridors within the unit. It may contain one or more separate laboratory work areas. It may be an entire building. It must, however, be separated from other building areas by appropriate fire resistive construction having at least a one hour fire resistive rating.

Version 1.0 June 2000

73-00-52 COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDER

STORAGE AND USAGE PROCEDURE

PURPOSE

Limitations on quantities and the proper use and storage of compressed and liquefied gases in pressurized cylinders are required to control fire hazards.

GOVERNING REGULATIONS

  • O.C.G.A. Title 25, Chapter 2
  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 55, Standard for the Storage, Use, and Handling of Compressed and Liquefied Gases in Portable Cylinders
  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 45, Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals

IMPACT ON CAMPUS COMMUNITY

All departments using compressed and liquefied gases in pressurized cylinders must establish safeguards regarding use and storage.

PROGRAM

This policy applies to all departments, vendors and contractors that use compressed gas cylinders. It addresses quantities in use and the storage of cylinders in approved storage areas.

REQUIREMENTS

  1. All personnel using compress gas cylinders should be familiar with the flammability and health ratings and the characteristics of all compressed gasses used. The classification and ratings may be found on the product label, material safety data sheet, product literature and other sources.
  1. Maximum quantities of compressed or liquefied gas cylinders in research laboratory units and general-purpose laboratory units shall be in accordance with the following table.

Maximum Number of Full Size Compressed or Liquefied

Gas Cylinders in Use in Laboratory Work Areas
Flammable or
Oxidizing Gases / Liquefied
Flammable Gases / Gases with Health Hazard Rating of 3 or 4*
6 / 3 / 3**

Note:

Maximum number of cylinders per 46.5 m2 (500 ft.2) or less.

*Gases with a Health Hazard Rating of 4 are not permitted.

**Use or storage of gases with a Health Hazard Rating of 3 are limited to a total of 400 scf (compressed) or 100 pounds (liquefied).

  1. Maximum quantities of compressed or liquefied gas cylinders in undergraduate instructional laboratory units shall not exceed three full size cylinders in any combination.
  1. A compressed gas cylinder shall be considered to be “in use” if it is:
  1. Connected through a regulator to deliver gas to a laboratory operation; or
  2. Connected to a manifold being used to deliver gas to a laboratory operation; or
  3. A single cylinder secured alongside the cylinder in (a) above as the reserve cylinder for (a).
  1. Excess cylinders shall be stored in centralized outside storage areas. Cylinders will be stored in separate rooms by category as follows.
  1. Toxic
  2. Pyrophoric
  3. Flammable
  4. Oxidizing
  5. Nonflammable
  1. Empty cylinders will be marked as “Empty” or “MT” and stored separated by category.
  1. All cylinders used shall be labeled as to content in accordance with good laboratory practice.
  1. All cylinders shall be securely fastened at all times by an approved restraining system.

Version 1.0 June 2000

73-00-53 CONSTRUCTION AND

RENOVATION APPROVAL POLICY

PURPOSE

Newly constructed or renovated buildings must meet applicable life safety code requirements.

GOVERNING REGULATIONS

  • O.C.G.A. Title 25, Chapter 2
  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101, Code for Safety to Life from Fire in Buildings and Structures

IMPACT ON CAMPUS COMMUNITY

This policy is intended for use by Physical Plant and Design & Construction personnel. Construction or renovation projects identified by this policy as requiring to be reviewed by the State Fire Marshal or the Fire Safety Officer shall not be occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued by the State Fire Marshal or by the Fire Safety Officer.

PROGRAM

The State Fire Marshal, which has review and inspection authority for compliance with the Georgia Building Code, has granted Georgia State University plan review and inspection authority for construction and renovation projects in existing University facilities.

The State Fire Marshal will retain jurisdiction for all new construction projects.

All building plans for new construction or for major renovations as defined by this policy shall be submitted to the Fire Safety Officer for approval before starting construction.

Departments shall not contract with private contractors, architects, engineers, or for construction materials without first coordinating construction plans with Design and Construction Services and with the Physical Plant Department.

The Fire Safety Officer shall be the designated representative to the State Fire Marshal Office for the University for all design and construction matters.

Although a project may have received approval from the State Fire Marshal or the Fire Safety Officer, violations or discrepancies noted during a construction inspection takes precedence over previously approved drawings.