Fire Safety

Administrators, managers, faculty, and staff have the responsibility to promote fire safety in the conduct of University activities and in the use of University facilities.

Campus fire safety policy and programs are conducted in compliance with applicable regulations as described herein.

  1. Design and Construction

    It is campus and University policy that plans and specifications for all new buildings and remodeling projects comply with the "Code for Safety to Life from Fire in Building and Structures" as published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 101, Life Safety Code) 2000 edition, as adopted by the State Fire Marshal's Office. Consultants, architects and engineers retained by the University are instructed to design such facilities in accordance with these regulations. Plans involving day care facilities as defined by the Life Safety Code are submitted to the Illinois Department of Public Health for review and comment.

    The Facilities & Services Planning Division, Campus Code Compliance and Fire Safety (CCC&FS), 333-9711, acts as the Fire Marshal representative for the campus and is the 'Authority Having Jurisdiction' regarding all aspects of the NFPA 101, Life Safety Code compliance for new and existing buildings, and renovations on the campus.

  2. Building Occupancy

    CCC&FS, in conformance with the Life Safety Code, shall determine the allowable occupancy/occupant load for existing buildings and areas within those buildings. The Life Safety Code defines occupant load as the total number of persons that might occupy a building or structure at any one time. CCC&FS will be assisted by consultation with and reviews conducted by the Office of Facility Management and Scheduling.

  3. Fire Safety Compliance and Reports

    CCC&FS is responsible for ascertaining compliance with campus, University, and other fire safety regulations in all University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign general campus and auxiliary facilities. On occasions when an authorized individual or government agency from outside the University conducts an inspection on campus, CCC&FS shall be notified and shall arrange for assistance from the appropriate University staff.

    Departments shall provide reports of corrective actions to CCC&FS when requested to make corrections pursuant to an inspection. The Cities of Urbana and Champaign will work cooperatively with CCC&FS in accomplishing these responsibilities.

  4. Information and Education Programs

    CCC&FS coordinates and conducts a variety of informational and educational programs for faculty, staff and students to maintain campus awareness about fire safety responsibilities and evacuation procedures. Any department manager desiring information or a program for departmental staff should contact CCC&FS at 333-9711.

    The Cities of Urbana and Champaign will work cooperatively with CCC&FS in accomplishing these programs.

  5. Fire Protection System Inspection and Testing

    Fire protection systems (Fire alarms and detection systems, fire sprinkler systems and other fire suppression systems, fire pumps and standpipes) in general campus and auxiliary facilities shall be inspected and tested in accordance with the appropriate National Fire Protection Association standards. CCC&FS, in cooperation with other Facilities & Services Divisions, performs campus fire protection system inspection and testing. Campus facilities may choose to use other agencies to perform inspection and testing of fire protection systems in their facilities. However, such inspection and testing shall be conducted in accordance with CCC&FS performance specifications and the appropriate National Fire Protection Association standards. Documentation of inspection and testing in accordance with such standards shall be submitted to CCC&FS.

  6. Pyrotechnic Displays

    Outdoor and indoor pyrotechnic (fireworks) displays shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable state laws including the Pyrotechnic Operator Licensing Act. In compliance with the Pyrotechnic Operator Licensing Act:

    1. Permits are required for all pyrotechnic displays and are to be issued by the chief of the fire department providing coverage to the location of the display, or by his/her designee.
    2. Before a permit is issued, the pyrotechnic display shall be evaluated and inspected to insure that it complies with the appropriate National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines.
    3. Indoor pyrotechnic displays are permitted only in buildings completely protected by automatic sprinkler systems unless otherwiswe permitted in accordance with the rules adopted by teh Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshall for implementation of the Pyrotechnic Operator Licensing Act.
    4. No person may act as a lead pyrotechnic operator unless licensed by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
    5. All lead pyrotechnic operators must pay the fee, have the required training and pass an exam administered by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.