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Fire Safety Awareness

A wide spectrum of training and educational services is available for UCLA staff, faculty and students.

 

General Fire Prevention

  • 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.
  • Know the location of fire pull stations and fire alarm manual fighting equipment and know when and how to use them.
  • Identify the major hazards in their workplace and proper handling procedures to be used to minimize the hazards.

Housekeeping

  • 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.
  • Keep all equipment and storage 18" below fire sprinkler heads.

Electrical Safety

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

Fueling Operations

  • 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

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.
  • 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

  • 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 located in all University buildings. You must be educated in the proper use before attempting to fight a fire.
  • 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.
  • Use the proper extinguisher; remember your ABC's:
    1. Type A: ordinary combustibles - wood, paper, cloth
    2. Type B: flammable liquids - gasoline, oil, grease
    3. Type C: electrical - appliances, computers, circuit breakers
    4. Type D: combustible metals – sodium, magnesium
  • Then PASS:
    1. Pull - pull the pin to unlock the lever
    2. Aim - aim at the base of the fire
    3. Squeeze - squeeze the lever to discharge the extinguishing agent
    4. Sweep - sweep from side to side, carefully moving toward the fire until all the flames appear to be extinguished.


Emergency Instructions and Evacuation

  • 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.
  • 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. If you use a cell phone, call UCLA police dispatch at (310) 825-1491.
  • Have a procedure in place to account for all employees after evacuating.