Fire Safety

Purpose

To reduce the fire and safety risks and to ensure compliance with applicable state and/or federal fire safety regulations.

Scope

This policy applies in all Urbana-Champaign campus facilities, properties, and areas.

Authority

The Facilities & Services Engineering and Construction Services Division, Campus Code Compliance and Fire Safety (CCC&FS), 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.

Policy

Plans and specifications for all new buildings and/or remodeling projects must 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®), 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.

Definitions

  • Occupant load – the total number of persons that might occupy a building or structure at any one time (as defined in the Life Safety Code).
  • Fire safety systems include fire alarms and detection systems, fire sprinkler systems, and other fire suppression systems, fire pumps and standpipes.

Processes/Procedures/Guidelines

CCC&FS, in conformance with the Life Safety Code, shall determine the allowable occupancy/occupant load for existing buildings and areas within those buildings. CCC&FS will be assisted by consultation with and reviews conducted by the Office of Facility Management and Scheduling.

Fire protection systems 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 inspections 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.

Fire doors are to remain free of obstructions and should not be wedged or blocked open.

Contact

Advice in these matters and interpretation of this policy may be obtained from Facilities & Services Engineering and Construction Services Division, Campus Code Compliance and Fire Safety, fandscodefire@illinois.edu.