Fire Safety Self-Study Module

University Behavioral Health Care

Rutgers Environmental Health and Safety
 Fire Safety Self-Study Module

Purpose

This self-study module is designed to communicate important fire safety information for the
prevention of fires and for response to fire emergencies at University Behavioral Health Care.

Annual fire safety training is mandatory for all employees. This can be accomplished through:

 review of department fire safety and emergency evacuation procedures, the

department/unit-specific fire plan, and staff's assigned roles and specific
responsibilities in the fire plan by the area Supervisor at staff meetings, or
 review of department fire safety and emergency evacuation procedures, the
department/unit-specific fire plan, and staff's assigned roles and specific
responsibilities in the fire plan at least annually by the area Supervisor during
individual supervision meetings, or
 completion of this self-study module

For further information, contact the UBHC Safety Coordinator at (732) 235-4184.

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Instructions

1. Read through the Fire Safety Self-Study Module.

2. Complete the Post-Test. When you successfully complete the post-test (90% correct), print
out and complete the department-specific fire safety checklist. Reference your building’s
Fire Safety and Emergency Evacuation Plan, or ask your supervisor if there is any additional
information that you need.

3. Review the department-specific fire safety checklist with your supervisor.

4. Once you have successfully completed the post-test and department-specific fire safety
checklist, be sure to enter this training on your Continuing Education Report as “Fire Safety
Self-Study Module” with the entry in the Total Hours column not to exceed 1.0.

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 Fire Safety Self-Study Module

Fire Safety Procedures

RESPONSIBILITY
It is the responsibility of each employee of University Behavioral Health Care to become familiar with, and comply
with, the fire safety regulations of the facility.

It is the responsibility of each employee to immediately report any fire hazard or unsafe practice to the area
supervisor, to the department responsible for corrective action (either personally or through the area representative),
and to the Safety Coordinator or Environment of Care.

It is everyone's responsibility to maintain

a safe work and patient-care environment.

Fire code violations can cause a fire, contribute to the spread of fire, or delay your evacuation.
Most violations are to recognize and easily preventable.

If you see a fire code violation, take action to correct the problem.
You can make the difference!

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 Fire Safety Self-Study Module

Fire Safety Procedures

MEANS OF EGRESS

 Corridors, stairways, aisles, exit doors, and outside access to safe areas are to be kept
clear and unobstructed at all times, so that if you need to, you can evacuate without delay.

 Furniture, equipment, supplies, clothing or trash must not be placed or stored in corridors
or stairwells. It is everyone's responsibility to keep exits clear!

 Fire doors prevent the spread of fire, smoke, and heat. DO NOT BLOCK OR FASTEN
THEM OPEN. Never place any devices such as chairs, chocks, or other types of wedging
devices to hold open exit or fire doors. Stairwell doors must remain closed at all times,
unless there is an automatic holdback that is connected to the fire alarm system.

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 Fire Safety Self-Study Module

Fire Safety Procedures

FIRE EQUIPMENT

 Fire alarm pull boxes, fire extinguishers, hose connections and other
installed emergency response equipment must be unobstructed and
clearly visible at all times.
 Report any equipment that is obstructed.

COMBUSTIBLES/STORAGE

 Rubbish, waste paper, sweepings, paper boxes, etc. must not be allowed to accumulate.
These items are to be placed in approved fire-resistant containers and removed from area
and the building daily.
 Storage in storage rooms or closets is to be neat and orderly at all times.
 A minimum of 24” clearance must be maintained between the top of stored items and the
ceiling.

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 Fire Safety Self-Study Module

Fire Safety Procedures

NO SMOKING POLICY

Smoking is prohibited in all UBHC buildings and vehicles. The only outdoor areas in
which smoking is permitted are identified with the sign "Designated Smoking Area".
Everyone is responsible for maintaining a smoke-free environment. All supervisory
faculty and staff members will ensure that the individuals they supervise, including
students or volunteers assigned to their areas, comply with this policy.

Please see the Rutgers University Smoking Policy #60.1.10 in the University Policy Library

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 Fire Safety Self-Study Module

Fire Safety Procedures

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Electrical appliances or equipment, as
indicated, whether Rutgers-owned or DOES IT NEED TO BE
personal (staff- or patient-owned), brought INSPECTED AND TAGGED?
into any UBHC facility must be inspected Area Item Inspection?

and tagged prior to being placed into Patient All electrical equipment and YES
Care appliances which a patient might use
service or use. or have direct contact with

Items which may pose a risk (e.g., YES

All electrical appliances or equipment coffee pots, microwave ovens,
brought into a UBHC facility must be refrigerators, fans, etc.)

brand-new, in the original manufacturer’s Ordinary office equipment (e.g., NO

computers, printers, lamps, pencil
box or packaging, and must be sharpeners, etc.) unless directly
“Underwriters Laboratories” (UL) listed. utilized by a patient

Non- Any electrical equipment or appliance YES

Patient which may pose a risk (e.g., coffee
In the Piscataway Main Building, A & B Care pot, microwave oven, refrigerator,
etc.)
Wings, contact Environment of Care to
inspect the equipment; in all other Ordinary office equipment NO
locations, ask your supervisor.
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Fire Safety Procedures

The following devices are NOT permitted:

 Electrical extension cords
 Personally-owned portable space heaters
 Halogen torchiere floor lamps
 Toasters and toaster ovens (outside of approved kitchen areas), hot plates
 Cooking utensils utilizing gas, electric, or sterno heat (outside of designated food
service preparation areas). Use of sternos (or other open flame or open heating
element devices) brought in by outside caterers is not allowable.
 Multi-plug adapters
 Multiple outlet strips (other than “UL” listed power strips with built in surge or circuit
breaker protection , which may be used only for computers and related devices; the
use of such strips for high amperage devices is not permitted). A power strip may not
be plugged into another power strip or into an extension cord; it must be plugged
directly into a wall outlet.
 The use of electrical extension cords in lieu of fixed wiring is prohibited. .

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Fire Safety Procedures

 Portable space heating devices are prohibited in all areas.

 Exception: in a non-sleeping staff or employee area only, under extreme

circumstances, it may be recommended that a portable space heating device be used on
a temporary basis.

 All space heating devices used will be provided by your department and must meet
specific criteria.

 Personally owned space heating devices are never permitted to be used in UBHC
buildings

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Fire Safety Procedures

MICROWAVE OVENS

Microwave ovens must be attended at all times when in use!

 Follow manufacturer’s instructions to determine proper cooking time.

 NO aluminum foil, or any kind of metal, should be put into a microwave oven.
 Do not walk away from the oven (even for a short time). Stay with your warming
food until it is done.
 If the food catches fire, keep the door closed. Pull the electrical plug to cut off the
power, if you can do so safely. Follow the fire response (RACE) procedure.
 Do not operate the oven empty.
 Use of microwave ovens for making popcorn is not permitted in the
Piscataway Main Building (outside of the Cafeteria); in all other buildings, use of
microwave ovens for making popcorn is not permitted outside of supervised,
approved kitchen areas.

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Fire Safety Procedures

 Halogen torchiere floor lamps are prohibited an all areas.

 Electrical equipment with open heat producing elements, outside of approved kitchen areas, is
not permitted.

 Keep electrical cords clear of passageways. Do not extend electrical cords through windows,
doorways (including cords on sound masking devices) or under carpeting.

 Candles, incense, portable cooking fuel (e.g., sterno), and other objects which produce open
flames or burning are strictly prohibited in all UBHC facilities. (Not applicable to cooking
equipment used in designated Food Service preparation areas.)

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Fire Safety Procedures
IF YOU SEE:
A blocked fire exit
Excessive accumulation of paper (combustibles)
An extension cord used as a substitute for
permanent wiring
Doorstops or wedges being used to hold open a
door
Unapproved multi-plug adaptor
Missing or improperly placed ceiling tiles
Unapproved/unsafe use of space heater
Storage in egress corridors
Always report unsafe conditions to the area supervisor
and the UBHC Safety Coordinator or Environment of Care
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Fire Safety Self-Study Module
All Eyes on Fire Safety
YOU SHOULD:
Remove items blocking exit if possible or call the
appropriate Rutgers support service to have it
removed
Remove paper, clutter, floor storage and excess
combustibles.
Remove extension cord.
Complete a Facilities work order to add an outlet.
Remove all door stops. Close the door.
Remove multi-plug adapters. Complete a Facilities
work order to add an outlet.
Report missing ceiling tiles to your campus
Facilities office.
Remove unapproved space heaters.
Remove storage from egress corridors and
stairwells, if possible or call the appropriate
Rutgers support service to have it removed.
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 Fire Safety Self-Study Module

Rutgers University Emergency Action Plan

Be sure to become familiar with the University Emergency Action Plan, located at
http://emergency.rutgers.edu

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Fire Response Procedures: RACE

IF YOU DISCOVER A FIRE OR SMOKE CONDITION:

Remember "RACE"

R = Rescue REMOVE patients, physically challenged occupants, or any other person

from immediate danger, if you can do so safely. If you discover a person
endangered by fire, call aloud for immediate aid and activation of an alarm.

A = Alarm ACTIVATE the building fire alarm and alert everyone in the immediate area.
Pull the fire alarm regardless of the magnitude of the fire or smoke condition.
If the pull box has an alarm cover, the cover must be lifted and the building
fire alarm must then be pulled. If you do not have fire alarm pull boxes in
your building, immediately call 911 and alert everyone in your area.

C = Contain CLOSE all doors to confine the fire or smoke to the area in which the fire
started. Close all windows, whenever possible. Never open a door to a
closed area in which a fire/smoke condition exists in an effort to assess the
situation or fight a fire.

E = Evacuate EVACUATE the building using the nearest exit.

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Fire Response Procedures

REPORT the incident to the Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD).

If you are on campus:

Report the incident to the RUPD from a safe location to provide specific details (e.g., exact
location, type of fire) from a University phone:

Obtain an outside line,

then dial 9-1-1.

If you are at any off campus site:

After notifying the local fire department (911), report the emergency condition to the Rutgers
Police Non-Emergency Number, 732-932-7211 - ask to speak to the shift supervisor.

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Fire Response Procedures

IF YOU HEAR THE FIRE ALARM AND/OR SEE FLASHING LIGHTS:

 Never assume that it is a false alarm!

 Pay attention to announcements from Fire Monitors and follow
any specific instructions of Emergency Responders.
 Do not use telephones for other than emergency purposes.
 Turn off all electric and gas equipment, wherever possible.
 CLOSE all doors and windows in your area after everyone is out, if possible.
 Proceed to the nearest stairwell. Do not use the elevator.
 Walk at a normal pace. Stay to the right side of the stairway, keeping the left side clear for
Emergency Responders.
 Keep fire doors in stairways closed. Do not block fire doors, stairways or exits.
 Always EVACUATE the building immediately, using the nearest exit or in accordance with
department/unit procedures—even if you know that it is a false alarm or fire drill.
 Once you enter a stairwell always stay there until you exit down to the street; do not re-enter
the building to exit.
 Congregate and stay in the designated safe area 50 feet or more, as appropriate, from
building: Do not block the roadway!
 Do not re-enter the building until an "ALL CLEAR" is announced.
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 Fire Safety Self-Study Module

Fire Response Procedures:

Assisted Evacuation for Persons with Disabilities

Q: Who is considered a Person with a Disability?

A: A person with a disability is an individual whose permanent or temporary condition limits
ambulation in a safe manner without assistance in the event of an emergency. Impairments
may include those of mobility, vision, hearing, speech or cognition.

Q: What is the response procedure for Persons with Disabilities?

A: One response buddy will evacuate and report exact location of the person with a disability to
the responding fire department and will stay available to provide any relevant information.
The other response buddy will accompany the person with a disability to a pre-determined
safe waiting area near the stairwell and await further instruction.

Q: Who will help a person with a disability?

A: Persons with disabilities will be assigned two volunteers as response buddies, prior to any
emergency procedure or drill. These volunteers are designated by the supervisor of the
person with a disability.

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 Fire Safety Self-Study Module

Should You Use a Fire Extinguisher?

If you discover a small fire, should you try to put it out with a fire extinguisher or
should you just close the door and proceed with evacuation?

You may decide to extinguish the fire, but only after you have considered the key
safety points on the following page....

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 Fire Safety Self-Study Module

Fire Extinguishers: Key Points for your Safety

 Only use a fire extinguisher if you have been trained and are confident
about using it.
 The fire is small and contained (i.e., waste paper basket).
 Do not attempt to fight a large or spreading fire!
 Only use a fire extinguisher if you have a clear path out to a safe area.
 Before you use the fire extinguisher, make sure that the fire alarm has
been pulled and fire department is on its way!
 You know the location of the extinguishers in your work area; if the fire extinguisher
cabinets in your area are locked, make sure that you have a key.
 Before you use the extinguisher, check: the extinguisher for any physical damage; the
locking pin for tampering; and the pressure gauge to make sure that it is fully charged
(needle in the green zone), if applicable.
 Make sure that you have the appropriate extinguisher for the type of fire that you are
facing. For example, it is dangerous to use a water extinguisher on a fire involving
flammable liquids or energized electrical equipment.

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Types of Fire Extinguishers

Type of Type of Fire Symbol Example Comments
Extinguisher
Interrupts chemical chain reaction of fire
ABC ABC with dry chemical powder.
Most commonly used.
Multipurpose
A - Ordinary combustibles
(wood paper, cloth, rubbish, many Fire extinguishers in your
plastics) area will most likely be
B - Flammable liquids “ABC” type
(oils, greases, oil-based paints, gasoline)
C - Energized electrical equipment
(household appliances, radios televisions,
computer equipment)

Cools the fire with pressurized water.

Water A Do not use for flammable liquids (B) or
electrical (C) fires.
Ordinary combustibles

Deprives the fire of oxygen with CO2

CO2 BC and removes heat with a very cold
discharge.
Flammable liquids
Energized electrical equipment

Commercial cooking, deep-frying with Cools and interrupts chemical reaction.

K fats and oil. Uses wet chemicals. Found in
commercial kitchens (i.e., UBHC’s
Cafeteria and Partial Hospital kitchens).

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How to Operate a Fire Extinguisher: PASS

To operate an extinguisher, REMEMBER: “PASS”:

PULL Pull the pin: This unlocks the operating

lever and allows you to discharge the
extinguisher.
AIM Aim low: Point the extinguisher
nozzle/horn hose at the base of the fire.
Protect yourself
SQUEEZE Squeeze the handle: This discharges the at all times:
extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever  Stay at safe distance (e.g., 8-10
will stop the discharge. Remember that feet from the fire while using an
ABC extinguisher)
uninterrupted application is critical to be
 Never block your escape route.
effective.
 Stay low. Avoid breathing
SWEEP Sweep the nozzle from side to side: Keep
heated smoke and fumes.
the nozzle aimed at the base of the fire
 If the fire cannot be controlled,
until it appears to be out. If the fire does get out immediately to safety!
not go out, immediately get out of the building.
The fire department must inspect the fire site,
even if you think that you have extinguished the fire!
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Fire Extinguisher Inspections

Facilities, the landlord’s representative, or an outside vendor will inspect extinguishers and record
the date and initials of the inspector on the extinguisher tag at least once a month and will check
for the following items:

Is the pressure gauge Is the pull pin and

showing that the tamper seal intact? If you see that any
extinguisher is fully
charged? (the needle of these items are a
should be in the green
Is the nameplate with problem between monthly
zone)
operating instructions inspections, report it
legible and facing
outward?
immediately.

Is the extinguisher in its

designated place, clearly Is the extinguisher in
visible, and not blocked good condition and Fire extinguishers are
by storage, equipment, showing no signs of inspected more thoroughly
or other objects that physical damage,
corrosion, or
and maintained annually by a
could interfere with
access during an leakage? fire equipment professional.
emergency?

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For Further Information, Contact

Sharon Stern, UBHC Safety Coordinator

Rutgers Environmental Health and Safety (REHS)
sstern@ca.rutgers.edu
732-235-4184 (direct)
848-445-2550 (REHS main office)

Andy Coyne, Director, Environment of Care, UBHC

coyne@rutgers.edu
732-235-3493

Go to Next Page

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 Fire Safety Self-Study Module

Post-Test
You have completed the Fire Safety Education Training Module!

 Please go back to the webpage where you accessed the Fire Safety module to
open the Post-Test. Once you have completed the Post-Test you can check your
answers with the answer key.

 When you have successfully completed the Post-Test (90% correct), complete
the department-specific fire safety checklist. Reference your building’s Fire
Safety and Emergency Evacuation Plan, or ask your supervisor if there is any
additional information that you need.

 Review the department-specific fire safety checklist with your supervisor.

 Once you have successfully completed the post-test and department-specific fire
safety checklist, be sure to enter this training in your Continuing Education
Record as “Fire Safety Self-Study Module” with the entry in the Total Hours
column not to exceed 1.0.
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