UCLA Fire Safety and Prevention: Protecting the Bruin Community

Fires pose a significant threat to the resources and personnel of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The potential loss of staff expertise, research data, library collections, and classroom spaces can severely disrupt the university's core missions of teaching and research. Given the frequency of campus fires across the United States, and the yearly fire damage to classrooms, labs, and equipment at UCLA, a comprehensive understanding of fire hazards and preventative measures is crucial for every member of the UCLA community.

Understanding the Risks

Fires can have a devastating impact on University resources. Staff resources, as well as physical resources such as labs and lab notes, library collections and classroom space are critical elements of the research and teaching mission of the University. If these spaces are damaged by fire or are otherwise rendered unusable, the mission of the University is threatened. Fires occur on campuses across the United States every day. Here at the UCLA, fires damage classrooms, labs and equipment every year.

Regulatory Framework and UCLA's Commitment

UCLA adheres to stringent fire safety standards and regulations set forth by the California State Fire Marshal, as amended in the California Fire Code (CFC), and by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). These regulations outline essential knowledge for employees regarding fire prevention and emergency response. Moreover, UCLA provides extensive training and educational resources to equip staff, faculty, and students with the necessary skills to prevent fires and respond effectively in case of an emergency. A wide spectrum of training and educational services is available for UCLA staff, faculty and students.

General Fire Prevention Practices

Adhering to basic fire prevention practices is the first line of defense against potential fires. These include:

Fire Fighting Equipment: All fire fighting equipment shall be conspicuously located, accessible, inspected periodically and maintained in operating condition. Call Facilities Management Trouble Call at (310) 825-9236 for service on all fire related equipment.
Awareness: Know the location of fire pull stations and fire alarm manual fighting equipment and know when and how to use them.
Hazard Identification: Identify the major hazards in their workplace and proper handling procedures to be used to minimize the hazards.
Housekeeping: Maintaining a clean and organized workspace significantly reduces fire risk. Keep work areas free from clutter and buildup of trash and debris. Empty trash cans regularly.
Clear Pathways: Exits, stairways, walkways, electrical panels, and fire fighting equipment must be kept clear of materials, supplies, or trash.
Sprinkler Clearance: Keep all equipment and storage 18" below fire sprinkler heads.
Electrical Safety: Regularly inspect electrical equipment to ensure it is in safe working condition. Never use defective tools or equipment with frayed electrical cords.
Fueling Operations: Exercise extreme caution when handling flammable fuels. Never refuel an engine while the engine is running. Smoking and any open flames are prohibited in the vicinity of the fueling operation. When spills occur, the spilled fuel must be completely cleaned up, washed away or evaporated before restarting the engine. Do not transfer gasoline in an open container. Use only an approved safety can.

Specific Fire Prevention Measures for Laboratories and Shops

Laboratories and workshops often present unique fire hazards due to the presence of flammable materials and specialized equipment. Specific prevention measures include:

Read also: Fire Safety at UCLA

Flammable Storage: Use only approved safety cans for handling or storing flammable liquids. Follow proper disposal procedures for flammable liquid waste. Use an approved metal can with a lid for temporarily storing oily or solvent soaked rags until properly disposed.
Ignition Sources: When using flammable liquids, make sure there are no open flames or sources of ignition in the work area (sparks from welding, etc.)
Quantity Limits: Limit lab bench tops to no more than 10 gallons of flammable liquids. Limit rooms to 3 flammable liquid storage cabinets and keep them away from exit routes.
Hot Work: When heat producing equipment is used (welding, cutting and brazing) the work area must be kept clear of all fire hazards. Fire extinguishers must be available when using such equipment. Fire watch may be necessary.

Fire Extinguisher Use: A Practical Guide

Fire extinguishers are strategically located in all University buildings. Familiarize yourself with their location and proper usage. Before attempting to extinguish a fire, activate the alarm and notify University police. Never fight a fire alone; use the BUDDY system and always position yourself between the fire and the exit.

Understanding Fire Extinguisher Types:

Type A: For ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and cloth.
Type B: For flammable liquids like gasoline, oil, and grease.
Type C: For electrical fires involving appliances, computers, and circuit breakers.
Type D: For combustible metals such as sodium and magnesium.

The PASS Method:

Pull: Pull the pin to unlock the lever.
Aim: Aim at the base of the fire.
Squeeze: Squeeze the lever to discharge the extinguishing agent.
Sweep: Sweep from side to side, carefully moving toward the fire until all the flames appear to be extinguished.

Emergency Instructions and Evacuation Procedures

Knowing how to respond during a fire emergency is critical for ensuring personal safety and facilitating a smooth evacuation. UCLA provides clear guidelines to follow:

Emergency Contact Information: Post emergency numbers near all telephones.
Evacuation Plans: Post emergency instructions and evacuation routes in conspicuous locations. Identify safe routes, alternate routes and refuge or safe areas.
Exit Route Familiarity: Know all the building exit routes. Keep exit routes clear.
Elevator Prohibition: Do not use the elevator during a fire.
Evacuation Upon Alarm: If you hear the fire alarm, leave the building. As you leave, close the doors and windows behind you.
Alternate Exits: If your nearest exit is blocked by fire, smoke, or heat, go to the alternate exit.
Low to the Ground: If there is smoke in your room or in the corridor, stay as low to the floor as possible.
Door Assessment: Before opening a door, feel the top of the door. If it is hot, do not open the door. If it is not hot, open it slowly. If heavy smoke is present, close the door and stay in the room. Open a window to let fresh air in.
Trapped Protocol: If you are trapped in your room, call UCLA Police at 911 from a campus phone and give your location. Hang an item out the window to attract attention.

UCLA Safety & Compliance Training Courses

UCLA offers a variety of safety and compliance training courses designed to enhance awareness and preparedness. These courses cover a wide range of topics, including:

General Safety Topics: All employees shall be trained on general topics (such as, but not limited to: Injury & Illness Prevention Program, earthquake/fire safety, back safety, Slips, Trips & Falls, etc.) on a routine basis. Each department is responsible for training its employees on general topics. Safety & Compliance also performs classroom training for departments upon request.
Respirator Training: When appropriate, EH&S will fit campus workers with respirators and provide annual training on their proper use. This program is administered in cooperation with Occupational Health Facilities (OHF).
Return to Work Post COVID-19: This overview of return to work post COVID-19 includes the following topics: what to expect, responsibilities, and Coronavirus prevention/precautions.
- Course ID: FIRE-FEX-OL
Fire Safety Overview: This online module provides an overview of fire safety for the UCLA campus. Topics include fire prevention, fire protection, and what to do in the event of a fire. Details about the types of fire extinguishers used on campus and instructions for use are also included.
- Course ID: IP-GENCHEM-OL
Hazard Communication (HAZCOM): Common materials you may use during your work, like paints, glues, resins, cleaning solutions, solvents, plasters and more, all qualify as "chemicals". Improper storage, handling or disposal of materials can result in explosions, leaks, or human injury or illness. This course introduces components of OSHA's Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) standard and the methods for learning about chemical hazards, including labels, safety data sheets (SDS) and hazard assessments.
- Course ID: IP-IIPP-OL
Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP): The IIPP is a workplace safety program created to identify, address, and record workplace hazards. This online module will explore how the IIPP improves workplace safety through employee involvement, campus procedures and safety resources.
- Course ID: IP-LADDER
Ladder Safety Training: The instructor-led Ladder Safety training will guide you through: selecting the proper ladder for your work task; inspecting for safety concerns; correctly setting up the ladder, safe use; and properly maintaining, storing and transporting ladders. Enroll in the instructor-led ladder safety training by navigating to the Worksafe calendar and search for Course ID: IP-LADDER or Course name: Ladder Safety Training.
N95 Respirator Training: For information on N95 use for Covid-19 Exceptions see the PPE Supply page.
- Course ID: EHS-VOLN95-OL
Wildfire Smoke Training: This supervisor-led training provides guidance on how to inform workers of and protect workers from the potential hazards of wildfire smoke. It is designed to be an instructor-led course and consists of a handout, N-95 respirator video and quiz. For best results, supervisors should provide employees with the handout, quiz and access to the video and discuss applicable topics from the handout.
- Course ID: ENV-SMOKE-OL

UCLA's Fire Science Program

UCLA demonstrates its commitment to fire safety through its academic offerings. The university provides a fire science program, specifically a Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection Administration and Technology. This comprehensive program requires 120 credits and includes prerequisite courses such as fundamentals of fire prevention, occupational safety, introduction to fire protection, and fire equipment and systems. Core studies cover areas like U.S. History, Oral Communication, Fire Defense Planning, Fire Protection Laws, Fire Prevention Administration, Human Fire Behavior in Fire Protection, Advanced Fire Leadership and Ethics, and Fire Administration Capstone. Career paths for graduates include roles as wildlife firefighters, urban firefighters, fire safety engineers, arson investigators, fire prevention specialists, public safety educators, dispatchers/public relations, hazardous materials specialists, and corporate safety managers. UCLA and all its programs are institutionally accredited through the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

The Broader Context: Wildfires and Community Resilience

While UCLA focuses on campus fire safety, it is important to acknowledge the broader context of wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Experts at UCLA are actively engaged in research and commentary on the causes and consequences of these fires.

Factors contributing to increased fire risk include:

Climate Change: More intense wildfires are a consequence of hydroclimate whiplash - rapid swings between extreme wet and dry weather, including an ever-thirstier atmosphere - and that whiplash is accelerating worldwide. Preventive fires offer a safer solution, but his research shows climate change is narrowing the safe window for controlled burns.
Urban Planning: The Los Angeles neighborhoods at greatest risk from wildfire typically have circuitous streets with dead ends and choke points rather than the gridiron pattern thatâs common elsewhere in the county. Circuitous streets make it hard to evacuate quickly in an emergency, as we saw so tragically in Pacific Palisades.
Housing Crisis: These Los Angeles fires have engulfed and destroyed several communities throughout the Los Angeles area. As firefighters continue to fight, control and mitigate further fire damage, many of the residents impacted by the fire will have to find new homes and communities. Unfortunately, this natural disaster will only further exacerbate the housing crisis in Los Angeles.

Addressing Vulnerabilities and Promoting Equity

Experts emphasize the importance of considering the needs of underserved communities during and after wildfires. During crises like wildfires, the stories and needs of Latino and underserved communities are often overlooked. Yet the prevailing narrative shapes how government resources are allocated. Our study underscores how these communities already face significant health, economic and social vulnerabilities. When a disaster strikes like these wildfires, the lack of adequate safety net resources, health care access and disaster preparedness only intensifies the inequities they face.

tags: #UCLA #fire #safety #and #prevention