Throughout the year, Risk Management offers training and education
programs in general fire safety and in the use of fire extinguishers.
Departments in need of fire safety training can call Risk Management at
656-3242.
In addition, each year, from May through October, Risk Management staff
works with local fire department officials to complete inspections of
buildings on UVM’s campus. They check that fire protections systems are
in good working condition, with a goal of keeping all campus buildings
in compliance with National Fire Protection Association standards
(NFPA). University policy requires all staff, students and visitors to
evacuate a building whenever a fire
alarm sounds. All employees should be familiar with the sound of the
alarm in their building. If an employee has a disability that may
hinder rapid departure from a building, they must report this to their
supervisor and fellow workers so that necessary evacuation procedures
can be devised. Supervisors must inform all employees working with a
disabled individual of any special procedures in place so that
co-workers are prepared to assist him/her in the event of fire or any
other emergency.
Rooms and doorways must remain free of obstruction and debris; all
items to be discarded should be disposed of properly and not stored in
hallways. Bicycles should be parked in designated racks outside
buildings. All such items can hinder a safe evacuation should a fire
occur. Fire doors prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Fire doors at
stairwells and in corridors should be kept closed at all times unless
held open by the door’s magnetic device. This device will release
automatically when a fire alarm sounds. Therefore, fire doors should
never be blocked open or otherwise tampered with. Supervisors should
make sure that all employees become familiar with exits nearest their
work area and the location of the fire pull alarm.
Fire extinguisher training is available to all departments through
the Fire Marshal at the Risk Management Department. Contact him at 656-8249
to request it.
Fire extinguishers in campus buildings are inspected monthly and
annually by UVM’s Physical Plant Department. If you notice that a fire
extinguisher has been discharged, is missing or has been vandalized,
call or place a work order online to Service
Operations Support. SOS should also be contacted if a fire
extinguisher does not have a current inspection tag.
Always call UVM Police Services for help with ANY FIRE at 656-3473.
Only fires the size of a wastepaper basket should be fought with a fire
extinguisher by those with training. Employees should never endanger
their own safety by trying to put out a fire, even a small one.
Appendix C in the Risk
Management Handbook lists the types and usage of fire extinguishers
found on UVM’s campus and how to properly use a fire extinguisher.