Safety and Health Plan 2001 Pg. 7

The Department of Safety and Security is responsible for inspecting hallways and exits for compliance with the Fire and Life Safety Codes. The College uses OSHA regulations and recommendations of the NFPA Life Safety Code as minimum standards to be maintained.

Obstructions to Means of Egress

No encumbrance of any kind shall be placed in front of or upon any fire escape, balcony, or other exit intended as a means of escape from a fire. No aisle, exit access, or stairway in any place of occupancy shall be obstructed with tables, showcases, or other obstructions so as to reduce its required width as an exit way during the hours in which the facility is open to the public. All exit doors shall be unlocked when the building or a portion of the building served by the exit is occupied.

Hallways

Storage of any kind or use of laboratory or office equipment in hallways is not permitted. Normally only water fountains, fire protection equipment, and safety equipment will be installed in hallways. Permanently attached lockers, bulletin boards, display cabinets, etc., may be permitted in some locations, subject to the approval of the Director of Safety and Security. Transparent covers on bulletin boards and display cabinets must be safety glass or other non-splintering material.

Stairwells and Landings

Storage of materials on stairs, landing, or under stairs is strictly forbidden. Items found in these locations will be removed.

Doors

Fire doors separating stairwells from hallways and smoke partition doors are equipped with self-closing mechanisms or automatic release hold-open devices and must be maintained in working order, i.e., not blocked, wedged or tied open.

Lighting of Exit Ways

Stairways, hallways, and other exit ways including the exterior open spaces to or through which exit ways lead, shall be kept adequately lighted at all times when the building served is occupied. Adequate lighting shall provide not less than 1.0 foot candle on walking surfaces.

Turnstiles and Similar Devices

Turnstiles and similar devices used to restrict travel in one direction or to collect fares or admission charges, etc., shall not be installed without prior approval of the Director of Safety and Security.

Railings, Steps, and Walks

The area immediately outside building exits shall be maintained free of material at all times.

Bicycles

Bicycles are not permitted in hallways, stairwells, or on sidewalks immediately adjacent to exits.

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