The University Safety Officer is responsible for inspecting hallways and exits for compliance with the fire and Life Safety codes.
The University uses Occupational Safety and Health Regulations and recommendations of the NFPA Life Safety Code as minimum standards to be attained. The State Department of Insurance may also impose requirements as a condition for providing insurance on campus buildings and equipment.
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, show cases, or other obstructions so as to reduce its required width as an exit way during the hours 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 approval of the University Safety Officer. 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, landings, 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 thereby 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 Safety Officer.
Railings, Steps, and Walks:
The area immediately outside of 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.