UCLA Fire Safety and Prevention: Protecting Our Campus Community

Fires pose a significant threat to university resources, potentially disrupting the academic mission and causing substantial damage. At UCLA, like campuses across the United States, fire incidents can impact classrooms, labs, and equipment, highlighting the critical need for comprehensive fire safety and prevention measures. Every member of the UCLA community, including employees and students, must be aware of the fire hazards inherent in a large teaching and research university.

Regulatory Framework and Training Resources

UCLA's fire safety protocols are guided by standards and regulations set forth by the California State Fire Marshal, as amended in the California Fire Code (CFC), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). These regulations outline essential knowledge for employees regarding fire prevention and response. To ensure preparedness, UCLA offers a wide range of training and educational services for staff, faculty, and students.

General Fire Prevention Practices

Maintaining a fire-safe environment requires consistent adherence to preventive measures:

Fire Fighting Equipment

All fire-fighting equipment must be conspicuously located, accessible, inspected periodically, and maintained in operating condition. For service on all fire-related equipment, contact Facilities Management Trouble Call at (310) 825-9236. It is crucial to know the location of fire pull stations and fire alarm manual fighting equipment and know when and how to use them.

Hazard Awareness

Individuals should identify the major hazards in their workplace and proper handling procedures to be used to minimize the hazards.

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Housekeeping Practices

Effective housekeeping is fundamental to fire prevention:

Keep work areas free from clutter and buildup of trash and debris. Empty trash cans regularly.
Exits, stairways, walkways, electrical panels, and fire fighting equipment must be kept clear of materials, supplies, or trash.
Maintain a clearance of at least 18" below fire sprinkler heads for all equipment and storage.

Electrical Safety Guidelines

Electrical safety is crucial to preventing fires:

Keep all equipment in safe working condition.
Never use defective tools or equipment with frayed electrical cords.

Fueling Operation Safety

Safe fueling practices are essential to prevent fires during refueling:

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.

Laboratory and Shop Fire Prevention

Laboratories and shops often present unique fire hazards due to the presence of flammable materials and specialized equipment.

Flammable Liquid Storage

Proper storage of flammable liquids is paramount:

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.
When using flammable liquids, make sure there are no open flames or sources of ignition in the work area (sparks from welding, etc.).
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 Safety

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

Fire extinguishers are strategically located in all University buildings. It is imperative to receive education in the proper use before attempting to fight a fire.

Protocol

Activate the alarm and notify University police BEFORE you attempt to extinguish the fire. Never fight a fire alone, use the BUDDY system and keep yourself between the fire and the exit.

Extinguisher Types

Use the proper extinguisher; remember your ABC's:

Type A: ordinary combustibles - wood, paper, cloth
Type B: flammable liquids - gasoline, oil, grease
Type C: electrical - appliances, computers, circuit breakers
Type D: combustible metals - sodium, magnesium

PASS Technique

Then PASS:

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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

Preparedness for fire emergencies is crucial for the safety of the UCLA community.

Key Information

Post emergency numbers near all telephones. Post emergency instructions and evacuation routes in conspicuous locations. Identify safe routes, alternate routes, and refuge or safe areas. Know all the building exit routes. Keep exit routes clear. Do not use the elevator during a fire.

Evacuation Guidance

If you hear the fire alarm, leave the building. As you leave, close the doors and windows behind you. If your nearest exit is blocked by fire, smoke, or heat, go to the alternate exit. If there is smoke in your room or in the corridor, stay as low to the floor as possible. 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. 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.

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