Section 4

RESIDENCE HALL DECORATION FIRE SAFETY PROGRAM

Purpose

In our continual effort to assure the safety of all residents and visitors to our residence halls, the following fire safety guidelines and policies regarding the decorating of public spaces shall be utilized. These guidelines will also assist the University in meeting applicable State Fire Prevention Regulations.

Flammable Decorative Materials

In order to minimize fire potential and protect means of egress for all residence hall occupants, no flammable decorative material is permitted in any exit-way or public space. No decorations are permitted in stairwells or elevators. Only noncombustible or manufacturer certified flame retardant decorations (meeting NFPA 701 test requirements) are permitted in corridors, lobbies and lounges. Examples of prohibited flammable decorative materials include but are not limited to: plastic, cotton batting, straw, vines, leaves, trees, and hay. Approved manufacturer flame retardant materials include: streamers, cloth, and paper used for decorative effect.

Permit to Place Decorative Material

Any residence hall intending to place or hang seasonal decorations in a public space shall apply for a permit from the Department of Environmental Health and Safety. This permit will identify the sponsor and installer, provide exact placement locations within the building, along with the type, extent, and duration of the decorative material. The permit will also provide certification that any special seasonal decorations are either noncombustible or have been treated and certified as flame retardant by the manufacturer.
Under no circumstance will blocking of exits, stairways, doorways, exit signs, lighting, fire sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, fire alarm pull stations, or fire extinguishers be permitted. No decorations are permitted within stairwells or elevators. Electrical cords and electrical decorative lighting should not be placed in corridors or stairwells.

Residence Life

Permit applications will be available from Residence Life Staff. Staff will be able to provide guidance on installation requirements, approved material, product information, and available distributors of flame retardant products.

Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S)

EH&S shall be mailed, faxed, or emailed completed permit applications at least one week prior to installation. EH&S Fire Prevention Staff will review all permit applications. A pre-installation review will be conducted with the installer(s) at the location(s) of the intended display. Permits will be issued for compliant decorative display plans. EH&S will also inspect decorations or decorative display(s) after the installation. If decorative material is found to be non-compliant the permit will be revoked, the deficiencies will be reviewed with the Residence Director, and will subsequently require modification or removal by the sponsor/installer. EH&S conducts periodic safety inspections of all residence halls. Fire safety violations including those involving decorations are forwarded to the appropriate Residence Director, Residence Life Staff member, of Housing Maintenance for corrective action.

For more information on fire safety call Environmental Health & Safety at 545-2682