Fire & Electrical Safety

Fire & Electrical Safety

POLICY:

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga shall maintain a comprehensive fire and electrical safety program to comply with state, local and federal laws, codes and regulations. This program is designed to insure compliance with the National Fire Protection Agency's (NFPA) fire and electrical codes as well as TOSHA's Control of Hazardous Energy Policy. In addition to the University's program, full cooperation will be given to local and state fire prevention authorities, with any cited deficiencies abated in a timely manner.

RESPONSIBILITY:

The UTC Department of Safety and Risk Management is responsible for:

1. Periodic facilities inspections in accordance with NFPA guidelines for compliance with all regulations relating to fire alarm and systems.
2. Periodic facilities inspections in accordance with NFPA guidelines for compliance with the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code.
3. Identifying, documenting, reporting and follow-up of cited Life Safety Code deficiencies.
4. Making specific recommendations to the appropriate management personnel for the abatement of cited deficiencies.
5. Serving the campus in an advisory capacity in the installation or modification of fire alarms or fire suppression systems.
6. Serving the campus in an advisory capacity in the training of employees in the use of fire suppressant systems.

UTC Deans, Directors, and Department Heads are responsible for:

1. Adoption and support of the fire and electrical safety program within their area of responsibility.
2. Identifying, documenting, reporting and follow-up of cited deficiencies within their area of responsibility.
3. Making recommendations to their supervisor and/or Department of Safety & Risk Management for the correction of cited deficiencies within their area of responsibility.

PROCEDURE:

The UTC Department of Safety & Risk Management is responsible for:

1. Semi-annual inspection and documentation of all facilities on campus. This inspection will include all fire alarm and fire suppression systems on campus.
2. Annual inspections of all facilities for compliance with NFPA's National Electrical Code as well as the University's Control of Hazardous Energy Program (Lockout/Tagout).
3. Audit all applicable areas to ensure that all employees designated by the University's Control of Hazardous Energy Program (Lockout/Tagout) have been properly trained, understand and abide by UTC's Lockout/Tagout Program.
4. Report and make recommendations for correction of any cited Life Safety Code deficiencies to either Facilities Management or the appropriate department.
5. Follow-up on cited deficiencies to ensure that the appropriate corrective actions are taken on a timely basis.
6. Coordinate fire safety training for all employees with the Personnel Training and Development Department.

UTC Deans, Directors, and Department Heads are responsible for:

1. Address and abate any violation or deficiencies in a timely manner and report the corrective action taken to the Department of Safety & Risk Management.
2. On items that cannot be abated immediately, a plan for corrective action should be developed with an estimated date of completion.

UTC Employees are responsible for:

1. Complying with all University Policies and Procedures for fire and electrical safety.
2. Immediately reporting any suspected fire or electrical fire or electrical hazards to their supervisor.