It is the responsibility of every department and work unit to establish emergency plans in the event of fire, chemical spill, or personal injury. For additional information refer to Emergency Response procedures.

It is the purpose of this policy to establish a consistent procedure for all employees and students to follow in the event of any emergency, especially medical and fire responses, at UNCA. This policy will detail what pertinent departments must be notified and their responsibilities as they pertain to the specific emergency situation.

The City of Asheville and Buncombe County have installed a city and county wide "911" emergency telephone number to request any emergency service.

(1) dial "911" to report the situation; and

(2) contact Public Safety at extension 6710.

If for any reason the person reporting the incident cannot contact Public Safety, he/she is responsible to (1) meet responding agency at the main campus entrance at University Heights and Edgewood Road, and (2) contact Safety Office.

Public Safety: Extension: 6710

Public Safety should be contacted in all emergency situations. This is the only department at UNCA which operates nearly twenty-four hours a day. Public Safety will coordinate directions and be responsible for the following information:

3. Contact the Safety Office;

5. Contact the campus receptionist in Phillips Hall.

Safety Office: Extension: 6564

The Safety Office must be contacted for any emergency situation. This position can assist and coordinate activities between all pertinent departments on campus, in addition to outside agencies. Certain legal and regulatory responsibilities can result from emergency situations, requiring notifications and forms to be completed and submitted to appropriate agencies. Clean up activities must be scheduled in some cases. In all situations, an investigation must be performed to determine the cause and recommend corrective actions to be taken to eliminate the reoccurrence of a similar emergency. It is also the Safety Office's responsibility to document statements provided by witnesses and work with the Attorney General's office in the event of a liability suit.

Health Services: Extension: 6668, 6520

Health Services is the closest medical help available for people on the campus of UNCA. The primary goal of the health center is to provide medical attention to students, however, the competent medical staff can provide critical medical attention to victims within minutes of a life-threatening emergency. It is important that medical attention be provided promptly and by qualified professionals. For non-life-threatening situations, refer to UNCA Policy No. 40.

Campus Receptionist: Extension: 6600

A genuine concern for campus activities in addition to human curiosity can lead many people to ask "What is happening?" or "Why is this fire truck on campus?" However, many times these questions may be answered by people who are not informed or by those who are only speculating. In any emergency situation it is important that concerned employees be given the correct information. In many ways, the campus receptionist is the heart of this information. This position can also act as a back up in coordinating activities with outside agencies should Public Safety need additional assistance.

Press Releases:

In the event local news media reporters should arrive on the campus of UNCA seeking information concerning emergency situations - direct all inquiries to the Chancellor or designated representative in the Chancellor's absence.

An Evacuation Plan will be posted in the main lobby of every floor of every building on campus. This plan will detail egress from the building, and a designated gathering spot for that building. First evacuation locations are:

If additional evacuation becomes necessary, all first level locations will proceed to a secondary location identified by Public Safety. The athletic fields will be the staging area should a major section or whole campus require evacuation.

Do not attempt to use a portable fire extinguisher on a blaze that is spreading rapidly or liberating toxic fumes or vapors. In these instances, evacuate the area, closing all windows and doors that are accessible, exit the building by using the stairs. Warn others in the building that there is an emergency by activating the alarm system "pull station" on the exit route.

REPORT THE LOCATION AND MAGNITUDE OF THE FIRE TO 911 OR PUBLIC SAFETY SO THAT THE ASHEVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAN BE SUMMONED!

NOTE: During such situations as fire or power failure, the elevators will return to the ground floor and shut down. All occupants must exit by the stairs, which are located throughout the building. Faculty/Staff should provide aid to all occupants who are not physically able to exit the building without assistance (due to the use of crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, etc.). Faculty/Staff may ask for additional assistance from students and/or visitors should it be necessary.

Manual alarm activation "pull stations" are located enroute to outside exits. These stations can be accessed by breaking the protective glass cover by using either a shoe, book or other rigid object. To activate the alarm system, simply pull the lever in a downward motion.

Emergency lighting fixtures are located at distances as approved by the State Building code along all corridors, in stair towers, and include lighted exit signs. This system is designed to automatically come on in the event of a power outage.

There are four classifications of fire hazards as defined by NFPA 10-1984:

Class A: Combustibles, like trash, rubber, wood, plastics, paper or cloth.

Class B: Flammable liquids, oil, grease, tars, oil paints, lacquers, flammable gases.

Class C: Energized electrical equipment (when electrical equipment is de-energized, extinguishers for Class A or Class B hazards can be used safely).

Class D: Combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, sodium, lithium, and potassium.

In all instances involving fires, the extinguishers must match the hazard. For this reason, NFPA has four classifications of portable fire extinguisher, each identified by the corresponding symbol:

CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS D

s n l H

For ease of recognition, every fire extinguisher will be marked with the appropriate classification on the nameplate. The only exception to this rule are carbon dioxide extinguishers, which are characterized by a large funneled discharge horn, and the absence of a pressure gauge. Carbon dioxide extinguishers can be used in laboratories since the agent has a limited range of three to eight feet. The carbon dioxide cloud leaves no residue which is a distinct advantage; however, it is extremely important that the person activating the extinguisher hold the horn without touching any metal parts, since these areas will become extremely cold, once the contents are expelled.

To aid in equipping multiple hazard areas, the NFPA has accepted combinations of extinguisher classifications. These multiple-rated extinguishers are:

Class AB: For use on combustible and flammable materials

Class BC: Includes carbon dioxide, dry chemical, Halon 1211 and Halon 1301, which can be used on flammable liquids, grease and electrical hazards.

Class ABC: Can be used on combustible, flammable, and electrical fires by using Halon 1211 or multipurpose dry chemical extinguishers.

The Safety Office will be responsible for insuring that all buildings are properly equipped with the appropriate classification of portable fire extinguishers during building construction or renovation projects. Due to the nature of reactions performed, at lease one portable fire extinguisher will be required in every laboratory. The individual Department will be responsible for the expense to fulfill this requirement. Facilities Management will assume responsibility for the inspection, servicing, and recharging expenses after installation.

BASIC I. In the event of an alarm, CARE.

PROCEDURE

- Close doors to confine the fire.

- Alert others, activate building alarm if provided.

- Report the fire, call Public Safety (x6710) or 9-911

- Evacuate, leave the building.

II. How to Survive a Building Fire

1. Crawl If There's Smoke.

2. Feel Doors Before Opening - Don't Open a HOT Door

3. Go To The Nearest Exit.

4. Always Use An Exit Stair - Not An Elevator

5. Close Doors.

6. Use a fire extinguisher if the fire is very small and you

know how to use it safely.

7. If you are on fire - Stop, Drop and Roll.

8. If You Get Trapped:

- Close the door

- Seal cracks

- Open the windows if safe

- Signal for help or phone 9-911

- Don't Jump. The fire department will reach you.

III. If You are Physically Impaired

A. If you are disabled (even temporarily), you should do the following:

- Learn about fire safety.

- Plan ahead for fire emergencies.

- Be aware of your own capabilities and limitations.

B. Look for "areas of refuge" like stair enclosures or other side of corridor fire doors. Elevators are not safe during fires. Sometimes it may be safer to stay in your room. Follow the advice for being trapped.

C. If there is an immediate threat to safety, ask others near you for assistance. If no help is available, seek refuge in a room with a window or stairway. If possible, call (9-911) to report your location and receive instructions from the Emergency Operator.

UNCA IV. University of North Carolina at Asheville - Emergency EMERGENCY Plan - Departmental Responsibilities:

RESPONSE

PLAN A. Notify Public Safety

B. Assist in evacuation procedures

C. Keep building occupants advised of the situation

D. Assist and advise Facilities Management in clean-up operations

E. Develop a plan for carrying out assigned responsibilities.

For the purpose of this policy, fire is defined as the accidental ignition of any material or substance which requires the use of a fire extinguisher or other significant effort to extinguish.

Requests for Fire Department assistance should be made by telephoning "911" and Public Safety, extension 6710 (the numbers to be used for all emergencies), and following the procedures outlined in the Emergency Response procedure.

The Public Safety Department will notify the Health and Safety Office immediately of fire calls which occur during normal working hours, and on the next business day following incidents that occur at night or weekends.

For incidents involving significant property damage, injuries, or a suspected fatality, Public Safety will notify the following persons immediately:

- Chancellor

- Vice Chancellor for Financial Affairs

- Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

- Director of Facilities Management

- Health and Safety Office

Once the fire has been extinguished, the incident must be reported to the Health and Safety Office and the University Property Officer. Even minor fires which may not require emergency assistance must be reported.

The Public Safety Department and Health and Safety Office investigate all fires to determine unsafe physical conditions and/or human practices which may have contributed to the accident and make recommendations for the correction of these discrepancies.

If portable fire extinguishers are used, they must be serviced by the Facilities Management Department. (See section on Fire Extinguishers.)

The University Property Officer coordinates fire insurance claims. (See University 's Policy and Procedures Manual.)

If University personnel are injured, a separate report must be filed. (See University's Policy and Procedures Manual - Reporting Accidents and Injuries.)

The University department in which the fire occurs is responsible for the initiation of corrective action for fire safety discrepancies reported in the Fire Investigation Report.

Public Safety must be notified by telephone when an alarm sounds. Public Safety and Facilities Management must be notified prior to conducting fire drills or performing maintenance on fire alarm systems.

Fire extinguisher maintenance is provided by Facilities Management.

The University Health and Safety Office is responsible for inspecting hallways and exits for compliance with the fire and Life Safety codes.

The University uses Occupational Safety and Health Regulations and recommendations of the NFPA Life Safety Code and American Insurance Association as minimum standards to be attained. The State Department of Insurance may also impose requirements as a condition for providing insurance on campus buildings and equipment.

No encumbrance of any kind shall be placed in front of or upon any fire escape, balcony, or other exit intended as a means of escape from a fire.

No aisle, exit access, or stairway in any place of occupancy shall be obstructed with tables, show cases, or other obstructions so as to reduce its required width as an exit way during the hours the facility is open to the public.

All exit doors shall be unlocked when the building or a portion of the building served by the exit is occupied.

Storage of any kind or use of laboratory or office equipment in hallways is not permitted. Normally, only water fountains, fire protection equipment, and safety equipment will be installed in hallways.

Furniture, permanently attached lockers, bulletin boards, display cabinets, copiers, etc. may be permitted in some locations, subject to approval of the Health and Safety Office. Transparent covers on bulletin boards and display cabinets must be safety glass or other non-splintering material.

Storage of materials on stairs, landings, or under stairs is strictly forbidden. Items found in these locations will be removed.

Fire doors separating stairwells from hallways and smoke partition doors that are equipped with self-closing mechanisms or automatic release hold-open devices and must be maintained in working order. Fire/smoke doors not equipped with self-closing mechanisms or automatic release hold-open devices must be kept in the normally closed position. Fire/smoke doors will not be blocked, wedged or tied open.

Stairways, hallways, and other exit ways including the exterior open spaces to or through which exit ways lead, shall be kept adequately lighted at all times when the building served thereby is occupied.

Adequate lighting shall provide not less that 1.0 foot candle on walking surfaces.

Turnstiles and similar devices, used to restrict travel in one direction or to collect fares or admission charges, etc. shall not be installed without prior approval of the Health and Safety Office.

The area immediately outside of building exits shall be maintained free of material at all times.

Bicycles are not permitted in hallways, stairwell, or on sidewalks immediately adjacent to exits.

This policy applies to all University buildings or portions of buildings used for gatherings of 75 or more persons for such activities as entertainment, dining, amusement, lectures, seminars, etc. Described minimum criteria are for emergency planning and fire prevention practices to be employed by University departments responsible for such gathering places.

The employees or attendants at places of assembly should be trained in the duties they are to perform in case of fire, panic, or other emergency, to be of greatest service in effecting orderly exit of assemblages.

No open flame devices are to be used for ceremonies, theatrical performances, and the like, without prior approval from the Health and Safety Office. (Exception: portable cooking equipment, Special Food Service Devices below.) A bond fire permit must be obtained from the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and forwarded to the Facilities Management Department.

Portable cooking devices not flue-connected are to be used only with prior approval from the Health and Safety Office. Candles may be used on tables for services if securely supported on substantial non-combustible bases located in such a way as to avoid a danger of ignition of combustible materials. Candle flames must be protected.

Smoking in places of assembly is not permitted. Signs to this effect should be mounted in conspicuous locations.

The storage or use of flammable liquids in assembly areas is prohibited.

Combustible materials must be treated with an effective flame retardant material. Stage settings made of combustible materials must likewise be treated with flame retardant materials as indicated below:

Non-fixed seating arrangements for gatherings of 75 or more persons require prior approval by the Health and Safety Office. Any increase in the seating capacity of assembly rooms with fixed seats requires approval from the Health and Safety Office.

Aisles, passageways, and stairways must not be obstructed or restricted by tables, showcases, or other objects. All exit doors must remain unlocked during assembly to permit evacuation.

The provisions of this policy apply to the selection, distribution, inspection, maintenance and testing of portable extinguishing equipment. The requirements given herein are minimums. Portable extinguishers are intended as a first line of defense to cope with fires of limited size. They are needed even when a facility is equipped with automatic sprinklers, standpipe and hose, or other fixed protection equipment.

The basic types of fires are Classes A, B, C, and D as defined in the following:

Class A fires are fires in ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics.

Class B fires are fires in flammable liquids.

Class C fires are fires which involve energized electrical equipment where the electrical non-conductivity of the extinguishing media is of importance. (When electrical equipment is de-energized, extinguishers for Class A or B fires may be used safely.)

Class D fires are fires in combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, and potassium.

Portable fire extinguishers are classified for use on certain types of fires and rated by nationally recognized testing laboratories for relative extinguishing effectiveness. The classification and rating are based upon the preceding classification of fires and the fire-extinguishment potentials as determined by fire tests.

The selection of extinguishers for a given situation is determined by the character of the fires anticipated.

Fire extinguishers shall be provided for the protection of the building and for the occupancy hazard contained therein:

Extinguishers shall be conspicuously located where they will be readily accessible in the event of fire. They shall be located along normal paths of travel, including exits from an area. Maximum travel distance of 75 feet will be maintained.

Extinguishers needing to be recharged due to use or pressure leakage will be recharged by Facilities Management at no cost to the department or building to which the extinguisher was assigned.

Extinguishers are to be visually inspected monthly by departmental personnel.

The Health and Safety Office will review plans and determine the types and number of fire extinguishers required for new buildings. The purchase of fire extinguishers and fire hoses for new buildings will normally be funded from the movable equipment allocation of the Capital Improvements budget for the new building. The building's using department must reserve sufficient funds in the movable equipment account to cover all costs of initial outfitting for fire extinguishers. The Health and Safety Office will designate the locations where extinguishers are to be installed and will install the extinguishers on request.

Each department will be responsible for funding additional extinguishers required by changes in the type of occupancy (e.g., conversion of space from office to laboratory). The Health and Safety Office will determine the type and location of extinguishers and will install them on request.

It is the responsibility of the using department to institute security measures to prevent losses due to theft. The Health and Safety Office will replace missing extinguishers, billing them to the department responsible for the area.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Z53.1, Safety Color Code for Marking Physical Hazards, and the identification of certain equipment specifies standard colors and signs to be used in a safety and health program. The State's Work Place Requirements Program for Safety and Health adopts ANSI Z53.1 in order to provide uniformity throughout the University.

A. Color Code

Red is recommended for identifying fire protection equipment, danger and

emergency stops on machines.

Yellow because of its high visibility is the standard color for marking hazards that may result in accidents from slipping, falling, striking against, etc.

Green in combination with white, such as the green cross on a white background, designates the location of first aid and safety equipment.

Black and White and combinations of the two in strips or checks are used for housekeeping and traffic markings.

Orange is the standard color to highlight hazardous parts of machines or electrical equipment, such as exposed edges of cutting devices, the inside of removed guards, and the doors and covers of switch boxes.

Magenta identifies radiation hazards, such as radioactive materials, in rooms and containers.

B. Signs and Tags

Signs are not to be considered as the final step to be taken against hazards. Whenever possible, the hazards are to be eliminated.

1. General

Signs and symbols required by this section must be visible at all times when work is being performed and shall be removed or covered promptly when the hazards no longer exist.

2. Danger Signs

Danger signs must be used only where an immediate hazard exists.

Danger signs must have red as the predominant color for the upper panel, black outline on the borders and a white lower panel for additional sign wording.

3. Caution Signs

Caution signs shall be used only to warn against potential hazards or to caution against unsafe practices.

Caution signs shall have yellow as the predominant color, black upper panel and borders, yellow lettering or "caution" on the black panel, and the lower yellow panel for additional sign wording. Black lettering shall be used for additional wording.

4. Safety Instruction Signs

Safety instruction signs, when used, must be white with green upper panel and white letters to convey the principal message. Any additional wording on the sign shall be black letters on the white background.

5. Directional Signs

Directional signs, other than automotive traffic signs, must be white with a black panel and white directional symbol. Any additional wording on the sign shall be black letters on the white background.

6. Exit Signs

Exit signs, when required, must be lettered in legible red letters not less than 6 inches high on a white field and the principal stroke of the letters must be at least three-fourths of an inch wide.

7. Traffic Signs

Construction areas shall be posted with legible traffic signs at points of hazard.

All traffic control signs or devices used for protection of State employees and the public shall conform to the American National Standards Institute D6 current Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways. Available from ANSI, 1430 Broadway, NY, NY 10018.

8. Laser Beam Warning Signs

A warning sign should be attached to laser equipment in a conspicuous location indicating the potential eye hazard associated with the laser and warning against looking into the primary beam and at specular reflections. Such a warning sign might read: