PROGRAM STATEMENT

The purpose of the Fire Safety Plan is to set guidelines to help protect the Texas Woman's University faculty, staff, students, and visitors from injury and/or the loss of property or life from fire.

The Texas Woman's University Fire Safety Plan emphasizes prevention and whenever possible, superior design and construction of facilities. Fire prevention will be accomplished by maintaining compliance with applicable fire and life safety codes and standards and through the establishment of good, fire safety work habits at the University. The Administration is committed to a comprehensive viable Fire Safety Plan to prevent the loss of life, reduce property losses, which may occur when fire strikes.

The Fire Safety Plan shall apply to all facilities owned or operated by the Texas Woman's University and shall apply to faculty, staff, students, visitors, vendors, and contractors while on University property.

The Texas Woman's University is committed to the preservation of life and property through a comprehensive, viable Fire Safety Plan. Fire Safety in educational facilities warrants special attention. Special efforts must be made to reduce the need for evacuating a building. Facilities must rely on superior construction, fire prevention, early discovery and extinguishing of incipient fires with prompt efficient response to all suspected fire emergencies.

OBJECTIVES
To prevent fire related incidents on the Texas Woman's University campus.
To ensure those proper fire and life safety practices are conducted on campus.
To ensure compliance with fire safety practices through a comprehensive inspection program.
To provide on-going fire safety education to faculty, staff, and students;.
To provide state-of-the-art information from the national code;
To provide fire and life safety expertise relevant to the development of evacuation plans.
To ensure that renovation and new construction meet national standards of practice or fire and life safety.

DEFINITIONS
Authority Having Jurisdiction-The "authority having jurisdiction" is the office, or individual responsible for "approving" equipment, an installation, or a procedure. Fire Codes - Local, state or consensus regulations related to fire protection and prevention.

Fire Marshall - An employee of the Texas Woman's University who has been empowered to manage a Fire Prevention and Protection Program. The Fire Marshall is empowered to act for the University in matters related to Fire Safety.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) - An international voluntary organization to promote fire protection and prevention and establish safeguards.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Environmental Safety and Health Office, through the Department of Facilities Management acts as the "Authority Having Jurisdiction" in matters concerning fire and life safety. The Environmental Safety and Health Office is responsible for the implementation of all aspects of the Fire Safety Plan, maintaining compliance with all codes and standards applicable to fire and life safety, and establishing good fire safety work practices at the university.

Safety Coordinator Responsibilities
As an ex-officio member of the University Safety Committee, the Environmental Safety Officer informs the committee in matters concerning fire and life safety and recommends appropriate action as required.

To provide fire safety training in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers, fire safety work practices, and response to suspected fire emergencies.

To provide and assistance in the development of evacuation plans and to conduct evacuation drills as required.

To review plans and specifications concerning renovation projects and new construction for fire and life safety concerns.

To serve as the "Authority Having Jurisdiction" in fire and life safety issues.

To inspect University facilities for fire and life safety concerns and provide recommendations in those areas requiring attention.

To inspect and maintain all portable fire extinguishers on campus.

To inspect and maintain all fire hoses on campus.

To advise departments, colleges, agencies, and other university entities as to the requirements relevant to fixed extinguishing systems which are a part of their operations.

To observe contracted agencies in the testing and maintenance of sprinkler systems, smoke and heat detectors, fire alarm systems and maintain fire safety file.

To serve as the liaison to the Denton Fire Department.

To provide general evacuation procedures and assist colleges and departments in the development of more specific procedures.

To serve as the University liaison in working with the State Fire Marshall's Office representative in fire protection matters.

To issue permits for welding and cutting operations on campus if applicable.

Management Responsibilities:
Ensure employees are provided the necessary Fire Safety training.

Take appropriate action on all reported environmental safety or occupational safety (includes fire) and health complaints. If the complaint can not be resolved in the department, forward the complaint to the Environmental Safety and Health Office.

Ensure compliance by workers with this policy.

Individual Responsibilities:
Members of the University Community are responsible for respecting this policy and for familiarizing themselves with the locations of fire alarms, fire extinguishers and evacuation routes in the areas they occupy.

Members of the University Community, including vendors and contractors shall abide by the Texas Woman's University Fire Safety Plan.

Members of the University community should report all fire safety violations to their immediate supervisor. If not possible, call 81-3130.

HOUSEKEEPING
It is the intent of TWU to assure that hazardous accumulations of combustible waste materials are controlled so that a fast developing fire, rapid spread of toxic smoke, or an explosion will not occur. Employees are made aware of hazardous properties of materials in their workplaces, and the degree of hazard each poses. The Safety Officer will conduct periodic inspection of offices for safe housekeeping practices followed by a report to the department director and the office occupant if there are and deficiencies to the university standard.

FIRE PROTECTION REGULATIONS
There shall be no open flames permitted on the campus with the exception of The Little Chapel in the Woods and Hubbard Hall and other specified activities.

There shall be no other activity involving open flames, which may cause smoke or fire or which may trigger detection systems in any building, including designated room and floors in the residence halls.

Persons refusing to respect the no smoking policy should be reported to their immediate supervisor or to the University Safety Coordinator.

Acts of tampering or vandalism of fire protection devices (fire alarms, emergency exits, exit doors, exit lights, sprinklers, detectors, etc.) should be reported immediately to the Department of Public Safety.

Safe evacuation routes are to be maintained at all times. Corridors, stairways and fire escapes are not to be used for storage.

Quantities of combustible material (paper, cardboard, etc.) and flammable materials (solvents) should be kept to a minimum, and stored in appropriate locations.

Users of laboratories are referred to the TWU Chemical Hygiene Plan for more details on the storage of flammable solvents.

Never overload electrical circuits and avoid the use of long or multiple extension cords.

Consult with Physical Plant when considering increases in electrical current demand.

Defective electrical equipment, such as frayed cords, loose connections and overheating equipment should be taken out of service without delay and appropriately tagged.

Suspected leaks of natural gas are to be reported immediately to the Physical Plant.

"Hot" work may only begin upon permission of the Physical Plant. "Hot" work is defined as any welding, cutting, grinding or any other activity involving open flames, sparks or other ignition sources, which may cause smoke or fire or which may trigger detection systems. Approved contracts will constitute as permission.

FIRE DRILLS
Each building on the Denton, Dallas and Houston campus has a fire drill annually. Fire Drills are conducted three times a semester in the Residence Halls.

The Safety Officer, or Public Safety Office and Housing will conduct, monitor and evaluate the drills at the Residence Halls. If there are any concerns, they are investigated and reports are sent to the Director of Housing.

All physical deficiencies are corrected. The Safety Office initiates and along with the Public Safety Department monitor and evaluate the drills in the academic buildings. If there are any concerns, it is evaluated and appropriate reports are made to the appropriate Vice President. All physical deficiencies are corrected.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER INSPECTIONS
Each fire extinguisher on each campus will be inspected annually. Every building on every campus is scheduled to have its fire extinguishers inspected in an assigned month.

The Safety Office will conduct the inspections on the Denton Campus and the Maintenance personnel will conduct the inspections on the Houston and Dallas Campuses.

Inspections:
Print out the monthly inspection list for the campuses. (Will have the location, extinguisher number, brand size, month of inspection, year of inspection)

Check: The gauge must be in the green are, if not, the fire extinguisher must be replaced. If the fire extinguisher checks out hole punch the year checked on the tag and updates the status in the computer file.

If the fire extinguisher is not in the designated location, used, or damaged or does not have the proper readings, it must be replaced and the data in the computer must be updated to reflect the change in status.

Each University vehicle shall have a fire extinguisher.

If a fire extinguisher is discharged, the user will contact the Safety Office for an immediate replacement.

STANDPIPE INSPECTION
The Denton and Dallas Campus standpipes are checked on a quartely basis. An outside contractor, along with the University Safety Officer, plumber and electrician, conducts the standpipe checks. This check will test the automatic pump, sensor valves, clean the system and also keep Denton Fire Department aware of the dynamics of each high-rise.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES
It is essential that the campus community be prepared to respond appropriately in the face of emergencies such as fires, explosions, and chemical releases. The following procedures are to be used by employees and students in thoroughly understanding the methods of an emergency evacuation.

The key to a successful evacuation is planning. Each employee and student should be familiar with the university's emergency procedures and evacuation plan. Employees and students must also become familiar with the building in which they work and attend classes including the location of exits, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers. Employees and students must know their responsibilities. Practice drills should be conducted to maintain preparedness.

Pre-Emergency Responsibilities
Knowing at least two exits other than the elevators.
Knowing the location and operation of the fire alarm pull station.
Keeping the University Police emergency phone numbers conspicuously posted.
Participating in all fire drills and taking them seriously.
Knowing how to use fire extinguishers.
Become familiar with the locations and types of fire extinguishers.
Knowing the location outside of the building where you must go upon exiting.
Advising personnel that they are to begin evacuating at the first sign of smoke or fire alarm.
Assigning one person and a backup to assist with evacuating each disabled individual.

Emergency Responsibilities
Anyone discovering smoke, strong smell of burning should immediately:
Activate alarm by pulling nearest pull-station.
Ensure that all personnel, students, and visitors leave the immediate danger area.
If you feel comfortable with the situation, attempt to extinguish the fire using the nearest fire extinguisher.
Confine the fire and smoke by closing all windows and doors. DO NOT LOCK THE DOOR
If applicable to your work area, shut off all non-essential oxygen, gas and electrical appliances in the area and remove any hazardous material.
Evacuate the building using the nearest enclosed stairway or ground exit if fire and smoke cannot be controlled, or when advised by the Public Safety Office.
DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.
Inform Department of Public Safety.

NOTE: RE-ENTER the building only after being advised by the Public Safety Office.

Upon hearing the fire alarm, it is the responsibility of each lecturer and each Department Director (or delegate) to ensure that the premises under their respective jurisdictions, be evacuated quickly, carefully and completely.

Finally, everyone must leave the building, follow the instructions of Public Safety Officers, and stand well clear of entrances. Patrons should move at a minimum 300 feet from the building.

Fire fighting should always be a secondary consideration to building evacuation. All persons have permission to use an approved fire extinguisher and it should be attempted only if the fire in question can be extinguished with ready-to-hand and appropriate equipment and only if there is no danger of the evacuation route being cut off.

Fire-fighting equipment which has been used, should be reported to Environmental Safety and Health Office, so that it can be replaced.

All written reports shall be compiled and sent to appropriate V.P.'s and President.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION FOR THE

PHYSICALLY IMPAIRED

PROGRAM STATEMENT

This program establishes procedures for emergency evacuation of the physically impaired from residences, classrooms, assemblies, and otherwise occupied buildings at Texas Woman's University. The guidelines set forth in this program are in compliance with National Fire Protection Association 101 Life Safety Code, The Americans with Disabilities Act, and American National Standard A227.1

SCOPE

This program outlines the responsibilities and procedures to be followed during an emergency evacuation by persons who are physically impaired and the persons assisting them.

INTRODUCTION

Appropriate action during an emergency evacuation depends on preparation and training.

Preparation
The key to preparation for a safe, orderly and prompt evacuation of physically impaired occupants is awareness of their location and physical restrictions. Individuals with permanent physical impairments often feel over-helped or overlooked. Those with temporary impairments often fail to envision actions to be taken because their condition is not normal for them. Supervisors, department heads and staff are often unaware that a physically impaired person is in the area or building. TWU shall ensure that this plan is designed and implemented to facilitate the evacuation of handicapped occupants. This plan shall not include the use of elevators. Physically impaired occupants must be familiar with the evacuation plan for each building they enter, and notify a responsible party of their expected location to ensure help will be forthcoming if an emergency evacuation should become necessary.

Training
Department heads, instructors, supervisors and staff must possess knowledge of the proper procedures for emergency evacuation of the physically impaired on a general and site-specific basis. Staff will be trained in these procedures by the immediate supervisor and in some cases, the Safety Officer. These procedures are included in the Risk Management Manual, Occupational Safety and Health Program and the Disaster Recovery Plan. The execution of these procedures will be tested during the scheduled and unscheduled fire drills.

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR PROCEDURES

The Safety Office shall ensure that emergency exit plans include evacuation procedures for the physically impaired are designed and posted in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act.
Elevators shall not be used as a means of egress during a fire emergency or power outage evacuation.
A means of accounting for these occupants shall be included shall be enforced. In addition, Area Directors and the Department of Public Safety shall maintain a current impairment list including the names, physical impairments, and floor locations of all handicapped residents. This list shall be presented to emergency response personnel in the event of an emergency evacuation.
Residence Hall Directors shall ensure that physically impaired occupants receive training in evacuation procedures.
Those who have permanent or temporary impairments that might prevent their safe, orderly, or prompt exit from a building during an emergency must be aware of proper action to take if an emergency exit should become necessary. A thorough knowledge of the posted evacuation signs in each building or area occupied is necessary. Ensuring that response personnel are aware or the physically impaired person's exact location can best be accomplished by the impaired themselves. (For example: Solicit the aid of a non-impaired person in reaching an area of safety and ask the person to tell the response personnel that an impaired person is waiting for assistance at that location.)

Permanently or temporarily physically impaired occupants should inform Area Directors and Community Assistants, instructors, employers and/or supervisors of any physical restrictions that might limit their ability to vacate a building if and emergency evacuation should be necessary.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES
As soon as the alarm sounds, physically impaired individuals should proceed to an enclosed stairwell landing if possible.
If an enclosed stairwell is not available, they should go into a room just off the hallway or corridor and close the door.
Once inside the room, they should open a window (if possible) and drape some cloth article outside as a signal that someone is waiting for help.
On the way to the "safe area," a physically impaired person should ask a non-impaired person for aid in notifying response personnel of the impaired person's location in the building.
If no one is around to assist the impaired person, he/she should use a telephone (or any other available means) to notify the Department of Public Safety of his/her location.
In some cases, trying to leave may pose more danger to the impaired than taking advantage of the protection offered by their location.

Sight-impaired but mobile persons should wait out the rush of traffic until they can use the nearest exit at their own pace.

Hearing-impaired but mobile persons may be unaware of the need to evacuate, and should be calmly advised that an emergency evacuation is in progress. They should use the nearest exit to leave the building.

Mobility-impaired persons should be assisted, if necessary, to the nearest exit or enclosed stairwell landing; staying out of the rush of traffic. To reduce the risk of personal injury, attempts to carry mobility-impaired persons are discouraged and should not be attempted by other than trained personnel.

Residential Halls
Area Coordinators shall maintain a current list that includes the names, physical impairments, and floor locations of impaired residents. This list shall be presented to the emergency response personnel in the event of an emergency evacuation. Residence Hall Directors shall also ensure that impaired occupants receive training in evacuation procedures.

Community Assistant, after checking floors and rendering assistance to the physically impaired as requested, shall inform the emergency personnel of the location of the impaired residents.

It should be noted that rendering assistance to the physically impaired by anyone should only be provided if such assistance does not place a person in personal danger.

Physically impaired occupants shall inform Area Directors and Community Assistants of any physical restrictions they have which would affect their ability to leave their rooms or floors if an emergency evacuation should be necessary.

Please contact the Safety Office at 81-2924 for more information on Fire Safety and/or the University Fire Safety Plan.