Rutgers University Fire Prevention Plan

Under the authority of the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety, The Rutgers University Department of Emergency Services' Fire Safety Division is charged with the responsibility of enforcing the provisions of New Jersey Uniform Fire Code, and is the authority having jurisdiction with respect to fire safety regulations, policies and procedures. The Fire Safety Division is staffed with State certified fire inspectors who regularly inspect all University premises to assure compliance with fire safety regulations, test fire protection systems and equipment, and conduct employee training programs to familiarize staff with fire hazards and procedures to be followed in an emergency. Furthermore, employees are apprised of the fire hazards of the materials and processes with which they work during state-mandated Right-to-know training.

Effective July 1, 1994, by action of the Rutgers Board of Governors, smoking is prohibited in all University buildings and within University-owned motor vehicles, thus eliminating the health and fire hazard associated with the use of smoking materials. A permit system for control of welding and cutting is in place within the Facilities organization to control this potential fire hazard. All other hazards are regulated through the inspection procedures.

University buildings are equipped with fire extinguishers in accordance with the requirements of the construction and/or fire safety codes. Employees are not expected to utilize these devices nor are they trained in their use due to the danger of their personal safety, which would result from attempting to extinguish a fire. Many buildings are protected by automatic sprinkler systems and others are provided with fire standpipe systems. All major buildings are equipped with automatic fire detection and alarm systems, which are constantly, monitored at the respective University Police Department stations. Special hazards, such as chemical storage, high voltage electrical, cooking, spray painting and computer installations are protected by fixed suppression systems in addition to the aforementioned types of built-in protection. There are no fire hoses for building occupant use located in any University building; only fire hose connections for fire department use exist.

The University's Fire Safety Division is staffed by a supervising Fire Safety Inspector, Fire Safety Specialists, a Fire Officer and a fire alarm system Specialist.

Fire safety inspections generate formal, written Notices of Violation, which are issued to the individual responsible for the correction of an observed fire hazard. Reinspections are established and are conducted. There is a process that is followed for granting extensions of time for hazard abatement, as well as handling uncorrected cited hazards.

All fire protection systems are inspected at the frequencies required by the Uniform Fire Code. These include automatic sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, fixed suppression systems, fire alarm systems, emergency power generators, fire pumps, fire extinguishers and fire hydrants.

The Fire Safety Division is empowered, by New Jersey Regulation, to order the abatement of cited fire hazards, to assess penalties for non-compliance, and to issue punitive closing notices and vacate buildings where uncorrected hazards exist.

Rutgers University Emergency Action Plan

Fire safety is an important part of our daily routine. During an emergency, proper action saves lives. For your safety, please familiarize yourself with these basic steps which pertain to employees on all University campuses, Marine Field Stations, Agricultural Field Experiment Stations and other facilities.

1. If you discover a fire or smell smoke, sound the building fire alarm. Know the locations of the fire stations and how they operate. Do not attempt to fight a fire due to the hazards associated with the products of combustion and the threat of a spreading fire.
2. Upon hearing a building fire alarm signal, which may be a bell, horn, or voice message depending on the building you are occupying, immediately begin evacuation. Close the doors behind you. Use the nearest safe exit, but DO NOT use elevators.
3. Leave the building and assemble in an area established by your supervisor, where you will not hinder the approaching firefighters and apparatus.
4. If caught in smoke or heat, stay low where the air is better and attempt to reach a safe exit or area of refuge.
5. Know the location of all exists from your building. All exits in University facilities are properly marked with illuminated EXIT signs and directional arrows, where applicable.
6. If unable to leave your room or office due to heat or heavy smoke in the hallway, or due to physical disability, telephone University Police and give your exact location so the firefighters can be directed to you.
7. Always use the universal emergency access number to reach University Police in an emergency. Activate the 9-1-1 telephone system using the procedure for your campus or other location.

Evacuation routes are posted in all resident halls, health centers, and high-rise buildings in accordance with the provisions of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code. Where desired, evacuation route plans for other buildings may be prepared by unit supervisors; consultation with the Fire Safety Division is always available. However, all employees should be familiarized with ALL exits from the building in order that the nearest safe exit will be properly chosen in an emergency.

For further information regarding fire safety, to request assistance in developing office fire safety plans, or to schedule a fire safety training session contact the Fire Safety Division at New Brunswick extension 5325.

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