Fire & Life Safety

NFPA 704

National Fire Protection Association 704, "Standard for the Identification of Fire Hazards of Materials," is used at the Health Sciences Center to inform persons of the hazards posed in laboratories and shops.

The diamond-shaped label shown identifies three categories of hazards in three squares of different colors. The blue square at the left indicates health hazard, the red square at the top indicates flammability, and the yellow square at the right indicates reactivity. Any special hazard, such as unusual reactivity with water, is indicated in a white square at the bottom of the diamond.

The degree of severity under fire conditions is indicated numerically ranging from 0 to 4, with 0 indicating no hazard and 4 indicating severe hazard.

Fire Emergency Procedures

When a fire happens, there are steps to take to ensure everyone’s safety. If you discover a fire in the building follow these steps first:

• Activate the nearest fire alarm
• Close doors as you leave
• Evacuate to your departmental evacuation point
• Call Dispatch at 3-4394 or dial 9-911
  • State your name
  • Nature of emergency
  • Size and location of the fire
  • Phone number where you can be reached

Some small fires can be extinguished without evacuation, but one should constantly evaluate and be ready to evacuate if the fire cannot be controlled.  NEVER ENTER A SMOKE-FILLED ROOM to put a fire out.

For those who are trained to use a fire extinguisher follow these steps:

• Activate the fire alarm.
• Evacuate people in the area.
• Use ‘PASS’ when using a fire extinguisher. (PASS - Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.)
• Maintain an accessible exit.
• Avoid smoke and fumes.
• Report all fires to your supervisor and HSC Safety Office.
• Remain available to answer questions from HSC Safety Office and/or the fire department.
• Contact Dispatch at 3-4394 to replace the fire extinguisher.

Fire Evacuation Procedures

If a building fire alarm is sounding or you receive notification of a fire emergency:

• Evacuate to your department's evacuation point and remain there until instructed by HSC announcement or the fire department that it is safe to re-enter the building. You will hear the " All Clear" announcement for reentry.
• Close doors behind you!
• DO NOT attempt to use elevators. Elevators are tied to the fire detection system and are not available to occupants once the alarm sounds.

Off Campus Fire Safety Checklist

A resource for students who are moving to off-campus housing.
Use this checklist to make sure your home away from home is fire-safe.