| | PurposeThe purpose of this policy is to ensure that The University of Alabama (University) complies with the International Fire Code (IFC) as well as state and local ordinances, designate roles and responsibilities, and provide information and guidance on the use of portable fire extinguishers.PolicyFire extinguishers should be conspicuously located and unobstructed in hallways and corridors. Fire extinguishers shall only be used for their intended purpose - to extinguish small fires or to assist yourself or someone else to safely evacuate the area. Any fire extinguisher found to be faulty, discharged, or missing must be reported to Environmental Health and Safety (EHS). Roles and ResponsibilitiesEHSEHS is charged with visually inspecting portable fire extinguishers in all University buildings except for Greek housing and Capstone Village as noted below. These inspections occur on a routine and annual basis per code requirements and any needed corrections to impairments are made at that time. Documentation of the annual fire extinguisher inspection is maintained on the fire extinguisher tags.
EHS performs an internal and external examination of fire extinguishers every six (6) years and a hydrostatic test every twelve (12) years. Documentation of this examination and testing is shown on a label affixed to the fire extinguisher. Greek HousingIt is the responsibility of the Greek Housing designated representative (house director or house corporation designee) to ensure that each fire extinguisher is visually inspected on a routine basis and annually inspected for preventive maintenance. Documentation of the annual fire extinguisher inspection is to be maintained on the fire extinguisher tags. The Greek Housing designated representative is also responsible for an internal and external examination every six (6) years and a hydrostatic test every twelve (12) years of fire extinguishers with documentation of the examination and testing shown on a label affixed to the fire extinguisher.Capstone VillageIt is the responsibility of the Capstone Village designated representative to ensure that each fire extinguisher is inspected annually for preventative maintenance. Documentation of the annual fire extinguisher inspection is to be maintained on the fire extinguisher tags. Capstone Village is also responsible for an internal and external examination every six (6) years and a hydrostatic test every twelve (12) years of fire extinguishers with documentation of the examination and testing shown on a label affixed to the fire extinguisher. EHS performs routine inspections as part of its monthly building inspection.Use of Portable Fire ExtinguishersA portable fire extinguisher should only be used to control a small fire or assist yourself or someone else to evacuate the area. It is important to remember, not all fire extinguishers are effective on all types of fires. Do not try to extinguish the fire unless you are able to safely use a fire extinguisher. Do not fight the fire if it is already beginning to spread beyond the location where it started, or if you cannot fight the fire with your back to an exit. Occupants should only use a fire extinguisher for the intended purpose. TrainingTraining for the proper use of fire extinguishers is offered at EHS. This training focuses on the P.A.S.S. (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep) technique, and the different types of extinguishers, and allows everyone the opportunity to discharge a fire extinguisher. Training is offered at EHS the third Thursday of each month at 3pm and by special appointment for any group or department. Contact EHS to schedule this training.EnforcementStudents’ failure to comply with the provisions of this policy may result in disciplinary action or referral to the Office of Student Conduct coupled with monetary charges for damage and clean-up. Employees may face disciplinary action up to and including termination. In some circumstances, failure to comply may also result in criminal charges or fines.ScopeThis policy applies to students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
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