1) PROPPED FIRE DOORS- This is a common fire code violation. Fire doors (pictured below in figure 1.1) exist to keep a fire from spreading into other areas including staircases, where occupants would need to escape out of the building. The only exception for a fire door to be propped open is if it is held open by a magnetic sensor tied into your building’s fire alarm system. During the pandemic, all fire doors shall remain closed while continuing to abide by CDC recommended hygiene practices.
2) BLOCKED/ CLUTTERED HALLWAYS, EMERGENCY EXITS, AND STAIRCASES- When there is a life-threatening emergency happening in the building (fire, chemical spill/release, etc.), everyone is rushing to safety. Having boxes, trashcans, furniture or even floor mats can cause, trips, falls and slowdown the amount of people able to exit out of the building safely (example pictured in figure 1.2). It is essential that we keep these areas as clear as possible to maximize the likelihood of everyone exiting the building as quickly and safely as possible.
3) USING EXTENSION CORDS AS PERMANENT WIRING AND CORDS RUNNING ACROSS THE FLOOR & CEILING- It is a building violation to use extension cords for high power loads like refrigerators, space heaters, and microwaves etc. and so is plugging an extension cord into another extension cord. When you set up an office space like this, you are overloading the circuit which can cause a power outage or the outlet to overheat and ignite.
4) USE OF UNAUTHORIZED SPACE HEATERS- Space heaters can be dangerous and having the right space heater for the type of outlets that are present at the University can be the difference between a warm cozy workspace or a power outage or a fire (by overloading the outlet explained above). If you need a space heater for your workspace, put in a work order to facilities to be supplied with the appropriate space heater.
5) PLACING ITEMS ON RADIATORS- While we understand that radiators are not the most attractive piece of furniture, putting cloth and other items on top of a radiator is a fire hazard. If you see this happening outside of your office area, take initiative and say something.