FIRE SAFETY EVACUATION

PSYCHOLOGY

GILMER HALL

DEPARTMENTAL EVACUATION PLAN

The Office of Environmental Health and Safety (OEHS), in conjunction with members from your department, has developed an evacuation plan for employees to use during alarm/emergency situations. Each employee is requested to maintain an updated copy of the plan and be prepared to properly respond in the event of an emergency situation.

An alert and educated staff is the University’s most valuable resource for fire protection. Fire hazards arise from unsafe conditions and practices. Every employee has a responsibility and vested interest in making a concerted effort to correct and improve their work conditions and practices. Fire hazards include, but are not limited to:

SMOKING: This activity is permitted only in specifically designated areas.

STAIRWAYS: Never block stairway entrances, even temporarily. No obstructions should be left on steps or landings. Fire doors should always remain closed.

CORRIDORS: Corridors, hallways, and aisles must be kept clear of all obstructions (e.g., office furniture, bicycles, compressed gas cylinders, etc.) which might present a fire hazard and impede escape routes.

STORAGE AREAS: Areas used for storage should be kept clean and orderly. Accumulation of trash, rags, or debris of any type is a hazard and an unsafe condition.

EQUIPMENT:

a. Electrical cords should be placed away from aisles or other pedestrian walkways.

b. Never use electrical cords that are frayed or have exposed wiring.

c. Do not overload electrical outlets by using multiple extension cords, etc.

d. Perform regular maintenance on all equipment. Promptly remove/repair defective equipment.

e. Understand and use all pertinent safety precautions when using electrical appliances and equipment.

LOADING DOCKS: In many facilities, exits are located near loading dock areas. These areas must be kept clear of all obstructions (e.g., pallets, trash, debris, etc.) that may present a fire hazard and impede escape routes.

ALARMS

The vast majority of University facilities are equipped with sprinkler systems and automated alarm devices. While extremely efficient, these systems do not ensure all emergency/fire situations will be suppressed. To ensure the safety of employees, Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) encourages the complete evacuation of a facility during an alarm situation.

Failure to see fire or smell smoke does not mean a threat to your safety is not present. Alarm situations could be the result of:

Fire Gas leaks

Natural Disasters Hazardous Materials Incidents

Threats of Violence Etc.

In the event of an alarm/fire employees should practice the procedures associated with the acronym “RACE”.

R Remain calm, do not panic. Rescue persons in immediate danger.

A Alarm… Activate the nearest MANUAL PULL STATION and notify the fire department by dialing 9-911 (“I want to report a fire at…”); Inform other occupants.

C Contain fire at point of origin by closing all doors and windows.

E Evacuate the facility using established procedures. Extinguish fire by using a portable fire extinguisher. (Unless you have been properly trained, never attempt to use a fire extinguisher) Report fire/pull alarm first; extinguish after. Never attempt to extinguish a fire unless you can do so safely.

EVACUATION GUIDELINES

Employees

1. Prepare and evacuate the building by way of the nearest emergency exit. Walk; do not run. Do not use elevators.

2. Close but do not lock all doors as you leave.

3. Before exiting through any closed door, check for heat and the presence of fire behind the door by feeling the door with the back of your hand. If the door feels very warm or hot to the touch, advise everyone to proceed to another exit.

4. In the event you are unable to exit the building:

a. Remain calm; do not panic

b. Remain low; crawl if necessary.

c. Place a cloth, wet if possible, over you mouth to serve as a filter

d. Signal for help from a window. Use a towel, clothing, sign etc.

5. Upon exiting the building and proceeding to the assembly area, remain at least 20 feet away from the building walls and overhangs. Do not block any driveways, as Fire Department personnel will need access to these areas. Employees are requested to report to their assigned assembly areas as defined by your Fire Monitor/Evacuation Plan.

6. The cessation of an alarm/departure of the fire department is not an "all clear" to re-enter the building as corrective measures may still be in progress. Stay clear of the building until your appointed fire monitor has advised you to re-enter the building/area.

7. Assist visitors during alarm/emergency situations. Visitors may not be aware of exits/alternative exits and the procedures that should be taken during alarm situations.

Employees should calmly inform visitors of the proper actions to be taken and assist them with the evacuation.

Fire Monitor

1. Collects information or verbal reports for occupants as to the cause of the emergency. Proceeds to the predetermined assembly area to meet the fire department.

2. Meets the Fire Department personnel. Inform fire personnel of any known facts pertaining to the alarm situation. If requested, assists fire department personnel with a walk-through of the facility.

3. Informs Assistant Fire Monitor if further measures are needed and/or other pertinent facts.

Assistant Fire Monitor

1. Notifies others of evacuation

2. Ensures the safe and orderly evacuation of the building. If applicable, ensure handicapped evacuation plan is properly implemented. Make quick assessments during evacuation.

3. Knocks on any closed doors in your area after checking for warmth or smoke; and then open the door to ensure proper evacuation of all personnel. Check bathrooms, lunch, mail, and copy rooms last, and advise occupant in these areas to leave immediately.

4. Notes any individuals who do not evacuate and report them to the Fire Monitor. If a problem arises when an area is evacuated, contact the Fire Department responders and advise them of the situation. Evacuate the area and hold all persons out until a representative from the Fire Department/OEHS has given the all clear to reenter the building. (NOTE: Individuals, in teaching facilities faculty members, should be assigned to exit areas to ensure individuals do not reenter the facility until the appropriate officials have given the all clear to reenter the facility. Individuals assigned to monitor the exit areas should remain at a safe distance from the facility.

Discovering a Fire

At all times, when following any fire procedures, ensure that you are out of danger before trying to complete any emergency tasks. Fire monitors and building occupants are requested to put life safety before any other goal during fire emergencies.

If a fire or other emergency is identified:

1. Pull the nearest fire alarm immediately

2. Move to a phone away from any fire, smoke or emergency.

3. Call 9-911 or 4-2012 (University Operator) - advise the operator that there is a fire/emergency (of approximate) size and location; building, floor, room #, etc.

4. Exercise the appropriate evacuation plan

If the fire is trash can size or smaller, contained (not spreading) and you have been properly trained in the use of a fire extinguisher:

1. Call to the nearest office neighbor to retrieve the nearest charged fire extinguisher. Do not leave the fire unattended. If the size of the fire grows beyond containment, follow the appropriate evacuation procedure.

2. Upon receiving the fire extinguisher, use the procedures associated with acronym

“PASS”.

PULL pin from extinguisher and hold extinguisher 6 to 8 feet from the fire

AIM the nozzle at the base of the fire

SQUEEZE the trigger

SWEEP the extinguisher hose back and forth until the spray puts the fire out completely, with no smoke left, or until the extinguisher is emptied. (extinguisher lasts approx. 8 seconds)

3. If the fire fails to extinguish:

a. Exercise the appropriate evacuation plan

b. If the fire is extinguished notify Floor Monitor to request Fire Department and the Office of Environmental Health and Safety to investigate the cause/extent of the situation. Remember you must report all fires!

Fire Monitor - Additional Responsibilities

Makes decision to call for an evacuation of the building by activating a manual pull station alarm when an emergency occurs and no other alarm is sounded. Requests Fire Department to respond and assess the situation if unsure of the nature of the emergency or the need for an evacuation. Reports all incidents to the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. (OEHS)

Coordinates appropriate education and training programs for all employees.

Orients temporary staff to evacuation procedures.

Ensures employees have a fire and emergency evacuation plan accessible to them and/or a plan are posted in an established and readily accessible area.

Establishes and notifies all employees of assembly areas to be used during evacuations.

Maintains a current listing of the names and contact numbers for all Fire Monitors, Assistant Fire Monitors, etc.

Maintains updated copies of the evacuation plan. Contacts OEHS if there are any needed changes to the evacuation plan: building modifications, staff, etc.

Assists OEHS with yearly review of evacuation plan and safety inspections.

Ensures the evacuation plan is easily accessible to all employees, reviewed annually with all employees, reviewed annually and amended as needed, and the plan provides for evacuation of handicapped occupants.

Informs and ensures each instructor, for both day and evening classes, will review the exit plan at the first meeting of every class each quarter, semester or session.

NOTE: The State Fire Marshall recommends that each facility appoint a safety director or establish a safety committee.

SUMMARY

In the event of an emergency situation;

1. Remain calm. Rescue persons in immediate danger.

2. Alarm: Activate manual pull station and call 9-911 (“I want to report a fire at …”)

3. Contain the fire at point of origin. Close all doors and windows.

4. Evacuate the building using the established guidelines. Report to your designated assembly area.

Pertinent Information

Fire Monitors

Name(s) Ph # Fax # E-Mail Address

Morgan Davis 2-4750 2-5571 mld4m@virginia.edu

Nancy Birsch 2-4750 2-5571 nancyb@virginia.edu

Exits (Evacuation Routes)

It is the responsibility of employees to know the location of each exit. Identify your primary exit along with secondary exits in the event your primary exit is unavailable.

Assembly Area(s) in the Event of an evacuation:

1. Across street from the Chemistry Building

2. Upper parking lot of Aquatics and Fitness Center

3. Lower parking lot of Aquatics and Fitness Center

Note: During inclement weather please assemble in the lobby areas of Chemistry and the Aquatics & Fitness Center.

Manual (Pull) Alarm Stations:

Employees should be familiar with all of the “Pull Station” locations. These are normally located near exits.

Fire Extinguisher Locations:

Employees are encouraged to know all fire extinguisher locations.

Approximate # of Employees/Students:

300

Special Need (Handicapped) Individual(s):

Name

Location

Evacuation Plan

OEHS Contact Information

Employees are encouraged to address any fire safety concerns/requests with members of the Fire Safety Team:

Gerald Drumheller at 982-5479 Tim Ritchey at 982-4914

Jeff Sitler at 982-4901

Using Fire-safety@virginia.edu will ensure each member of this group receives messages sent via E-mail.

Learn more about the services provided by the Office of Environmental Health & Safety by visiting our WebSite at: http://www.virginia.edu/~enhealth/