Combustible Materials: When combustible materials are allowed to accumulate, either waste or non-waste, the risk of fire is increased. Combustible waste material should be removed regularly and promptly. Non-waste materials should not be allowed to accumulate so that they increased combustible load produces a fire hazard.

Ignition Sources: A safe clearance, a minimum of three feet, should be maintained between combustible materials and ignition sources such as light fixtures, portable space heaters, flame-producing devices, etc.

Open Burning: Due to the hazards associated with open burning, all such activities (i.e. bonfires) require a burn permit issued by the Lewiston Fire Department.

Open Flames: Activities involving open flame include, but are not limited to, decorative devices, candles, religious ceremonies, lanterns, etc. While candles are prohibited on campus, in certain situations they may be allowed with written prior approval from EHS. Sterno canned fuel used for cooking operations is not subject to these guidelines. Hot work requires a Hot Work Permit, which can provided by EHS.

Powered Industrial Trucks/Equipment: Powered industrial trucks or equipment necessitate additional fuel safety requirements due to battery-powered electric motors or internal combustion engines using liquid fuel or LP gas. Additional requirements can be found on the EHS website or in the manufacturers recommendations.

Smoking: Outdoors, discarded smoking materials carelessly tossed in waste cans or into landscaping material can easily start a fire. Use approved waste containers to discard all smoking materials properly.

Indoor Displays: Indoor displays of merchandise or decorative materials pose fire hazards to building occupants, including blocked egress paths and rapid fire burning.

Storage: Materials should be stored in such a say that they will not obstruct sprinkler heads. In a sprinklered area, items should be stored a minimum of 18″ below the sprinkler head. Exceptions are allowed for attached wall shelving unless directly under a sprinkler head in such a way that will block the flow pattern. In non-sprinklered area, items should be stored a minimum of 24″ below the ceiling.

Accumulation of Combustible Materials: The accumulation of combustible materials (paper, wood, cardboard, plastic, and foam) is not recommended. Every effort should be made to reduce the combustible load in a space. Combustible material should never be stored any closer than 36″ from a heating appliance or ignition source. Items no longer in use should be properly disposed of to avoid stacking and accumulation on counters, top of cabinets, floors and desks.

Material Storage:

1. Ceiling Clearance: 24″ in non-sprinkled buildings is required, which allows manual hose streams of water to effectively reach the top of a burning pile and any adjunct storage; ceiling clearances of 18″ is required in sprinkled buildings to allow even distribution of the water flow.
2. Means of Egress: Combustible materials cannot be stored in corridors or egress paths that could jeopardize the safety of occupants leaving the building.
3. Equipment Rooms: Combustible materials cannot be stored in boiler rooms, mechanical rooms, or electrical rooms/vaults
4. Fueled Equipment: Motorcycles, mopeds, lawn-care equipment and portable cooking equipment should not be stored inside buildings, unless the space is rated for that kind of equipment, such as a garage.
5. Canopies and Roofs: Storage under canopies and roofs that project from the building is not advised unless the area is sprinkled. This includes loading docks, entrance canopies, etc.
6. Storage Height: Piled storage in the open cannot exceed 20 feet. This reduces the size of the fire and prevents potential tip-over of materials.

Decorations: Decorations, signs, and any other items should not be hung on or near a sprinkler head.

Fire Extinguishers: Access to fire extinguishers should not be obstructed by other equipment, furniture, or miscellaneous storage. Extinguishers must be clearly visible or have a notification sign displayed.

Spills: Any condition causing leaks or drips of flammable or combustible liquids should be corrected. The area of the spill should be cleaned immediately (contact EHS for additional requirements).

Spontaneously Combustible Materials: Oily rags or other materials soaked in oil can start a fire by themselves if placed in areas where the air does not circulate. Oily rag cans should be emptied daily.

Interior decorations are a common factor in the spread of fire. Decorations used during the holiday seasons are always a large concern. It is necessary to ensure that all decorations used meet the requirements of safety and fire resistance.

Documentation: Any documentation, whether purchased from a store, dealer, catalog or other business will require documentation acceptable to the AHJ that the materials used meet the standards of fire resistance and safety.

Materials: Materials used in decorations must the the minimum requirements of NFPA 701. EHS can provide specific requirements upon request. It is recommended that you contact EHS for consultation prior to purchasing or installing decorations if you are unsure of its rating.

Amount of Decorations: The amount of combustible materials posted on the walls should limited to 20% of the existing wall space of an area. The amount of decorations used will be limited by the following criteria:

• Decorations must obstruct any corridor, exit or safety device.
• Decorations, paper, signs, etc. should not be placed on doors.
• No amount of any combustibles that would increase the spread of fire, such as plastic or chemical based products

The amount of decorations may affect the occupant load of the area if such decorations cover any required floor area used in the calculation of the occupant load.

Vegetation: Hay stacks, leaves, branches, large amounts of plant cuttings, etc. should not be used in any building unless approved by the AHJ and documentation of adequate resistance is provided in advance of using the material.

Live Christmas Trees: Should not be used in any Bates College building or facility.

Locations: Decorations must not be attached to, hung from, or obstruct any emergency device or fire protection equipment, including but not limited to exit signs, fire extinguishers, fire alarm apparatus, emergency lights, fire doors, etc.

Combustible decorations must not be hung from ceilings in such a way that a fire could ignite the decorations and endanger the occupants before evacuation. Unauthorized items found during inspections will be required to be removed.

Electrical Devices: Electrical lights, decorations, and cords must comply with the following conditions:

• The device must be tested and approved by a recognized testing laboratory such as Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM). The device must bear the appropriate label, sticker, or tag supplied by the manufacturer.
• Do not use electrical decorations or cords on combustible vegetation, dry trees, curtains, or any other combustible material that may be ignited by the heat or potential electrical short in the device.
• Multiple electrical devices may be plugged into an approved power strip that is surge protected. Power strips must be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
• Electrical decorations must be turned off and should be unplugged at the end of the day or when the building be occupied for an extended period.
• Electrical decorations or cords must not be laid or taped across floors where they could become damaged.
• Any electrical decoration or cord that is damaged, worn, showing signs of overheating must be immediately taken out of service and repaired or replaced.

Fire-Rated Doors: Fire-rated doors are generally found at any opening to a corridor, stairwell, storage room, and mechanical and/or electrical room. They can be identified by a placard on the door, frame, and/or wired glass. Contact EHS or Capital Projects for more information on identifying fire doors in your area.

Blocking fire/smoke rated doors with wedges or other items allows smoke and fire to spread rapidly through a building, possibly preventing occupants from quickly evacuating during a fire emergency. Fire/smoke rated doors are allowed to be propped open during maintenance and housekeeping operations only when the attendant is in the immediate area.

Firestopping: All penetrations of floors, ceilings, and/or walls are avenues for smoke and heat travel. These penetrations must be properly fire stopped where required. Contact EHS or Capital Projects for more information on fire stopping requirements. Ceiling tiles also provide a fire/smoke barrier and should be properly maintained. Ceiling tiles that are damaged, missing or disturbed for any reason should be restored to their original condition or replaced.

Holes in fire rated walls or smoke barriers is not permitted unless the condition is allowed by the Uniform Building Code. Doors, windows, and hatches may not breach a firewall or smoke barrier unless allowed by Uniform Building Code. Cables, equipment cords, etc. may not be placed in or run through any permitted opening in a rated fire wall or smoke barrier, such as through a door or within ventilation ductwork.

Contact Capital Planning and Construction Projects for questions related to fire doors and fire-resistant barriers.

Power Strips: Multi-plug adapters must be GFCI protected. Power strips with 3 – 20 foot cords may be used in place of extension cords. Fire code prohibits “daisy chaining” a power strip into another power strip, therefore each power strip should be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Power strips should only be used with low wattage appliances (computers, task lights, etc), and high wattage appliances, such as cooking equipment, should be plugged directly into the wall.

Extension Cords: Extension cords are for temporary use only (under 90 days) and must never be used as permanent wiring. Using the right gauge or size of cord is required. Flexible cords and cables must be protected from accidental damage, such as sharp corners or pinch points. Cords may not be run through walls, above ceilings, under carpet, through doors, or attached to building surfaces.

Portable Space Heaters: If uneven heat distribution exists in your space, contact Facility Services for an assessment. If a space heater is needed, use a heater with a ceramic heating element and automatic tip-over protection. 3 feet of clearance is required around the heater. Be sure that the wiring is in good condition and that dust build-up does not exist on the heater.

Wiring, Switches, and Plugs: Overloaded circuits, damaged wiring, and defective switches and outlets can all lead to electrical fires. Regularly inspect all wiring, switches, and plugs and report any damages to Facility Services for a qualified electrician to make necessary repairs.

Outlets: Electrical outlets are required to have proper cover plates in place at all times. If a cover plate is found missing, report it to Facility Services for a qualified electrician to make the necessary repairs.

Junction Boxes and Electrical Panels: Junction boxes and the breakers/disconnects in electrical circuit panels are required to be properly labeled advising what it controls for emergency response and maintenance personnel. Cover plates are required to be in place at all times. Open spaces in electrical panels can expose wiring. All open spaces must be closed with the proper blanks. Tape and labels directly attached to breaker switches is not permitted. Only a Bates qualified electrician is allowed to work this equipment, or a Bates designated contractor.

Wet Electrical Conditions: Do not use electric cords or equipment that is damp or wet unless they are approved for such use. Do not connect or disconnect electrical cords or equipment when your hands are wet.

Overloaded Motors and Circuits: Do not overload motors or circuits.

Lighting Fixtures: Report any problems with lighting fixtures to Facility Services immediately. Storage should be a minimum of 3 feet below overhead light fixtures.

Electrical Rooms or Vault: At no time should an electrical room or vault be used for storage of any material or equipment. Electrical rooms or vaults should be readily accessible and at no time should the entry door be obstructed or blocked.

Dry Type Transformers: All transformers and transformer vaults shall be readily accessible to qualified personnel for inspection and maintenance; Dry-type transformers installed indoors and rated 112½ kVA or less shall have a separation of least 12 inches from combustible material unless separated from the combustible material by a fire-resistant, heat-insulated barrier. 

Report all problems to Facility Services immediately at 786-6449.

Plan Ahead

Practice what to do in an emergency before one happens. Fire drills should be scheduled to help people prepare for an evacuation.

• Know where the nearest fire extinguisher is located and learn how to use it.
• Know where the nearest fire alarm pull station is located.
• Know the proper evacuation methods for disables persons.
• Know the primary and secondary evacuation routes, as well as the location of a safe meeting place by referring to the Emergency Maps for your building.

Evacuation Routes

Exiting from a building in an emergency is critical. All academic and residential buildings on campus have at least two exits. Planning prior to an emergency should be done so that no time is lost when evacuation is required. The following are critical components for safe exiting:

• Know all exits from the building – in an emergency an exit may be blocked and not allow passage. You may be forced to use an alternate exit.
• Keep corridors free from obstructions. Materials can restrict exit width and combustible materials may be fuel for a fire.
• Keep stairwells clear – nothing is allowed to be stored in a stairwell.

Grounds and Landscaping:

• Must not impede fire vehicle or emergency responder vehicles access to a building.
• Must not obstruct access to fire hydrants, fire department connections, fire lanes, fire escapes, or other emergency devices.
• Must maintain access to fire hydrants, fire department connections, fire lanes, and fire escapes.
• Must not obstruct or cause a tripping hazard for occupants evacuating a building to a public way.
• Must not bstruct exits from doors, windows, or other designated evacuation points from a building.

Industrial Shops:

• All wood and metal shavings produced by the work should be cleaned and removed from the building at the end of the job or the workday as appropriate.
• Machinery that produces hazardous shavings or dust must have an approved dust collection system. The system must be in operation at all times the equipment is in use.
• Clean all work areas of oil to prevent build up.
• Return all oils and flammables, including paints and stains, to their proper storage cabinets/areas.
• Turn off all power equipment or unplug as necessary.

Washer/Dryer Operations:

• All lint catchers in dryers should be emptied after each load.
• Maintain a clean area behind the washer and dryer from lint and other debris.
• Dryer vents must exhaust to the exterior of the building.

Art/Theater Departments:

• Electrical wiring and devices used in art creations, displays, or theater operations must meet the requirements of the National Electrical Code.
• All flammable and combustible liquids must be properly stored in a flammable storage cabinet or room when not in use.
• All oily rag cans should be emptied on a daily basis and must not be allowed to accumulate rags used for flammable paints, solvents, etc.
• All work areas should be cleaned daily or as appropriate to avoid accumulation of combustible materials