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Residential Life Guidelines

INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE

Arizona State University’s (ASU) residential life supports the student population with living quarters on the university’s Tempe campus. ASU must ensure all operations and living quarters are safe and compliant with all applicable federal, state, and local codes, standards, and ordinances, e.g., Building Codes, Fire Codes, and Occupational Safety and Health.

ASU Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) is responsible for inspecting and coordinating with each unit representative within Residential Life to ensure a safe environment and operation. The following guidelines have been prepared for university personnel to facilitate proper use and operation of congregated residential facilities on university property.

REQUIREMENTS

General Safety
State and federal regulations specifically require the university to maintain facilities in a manner that promotes a safe environment for occupants to enter and exit a facility as well as operations and use of the facility. The following guidelines will assist residential life in assuring each facility’s exit system is appropriately utilized and maintained:

1. Any material used in lobbies, corridors, stairwells, or other common areas shall not obstruct the exit passageway and must be of non-combustible material, made of fire resistive material, or is fire retardant treated.

2. Exit signs must be operational and visually unobstructed (illuminate appropriately).

3. Decorations are prohibited near any heat source. Distance from heat sources can only be determined by evaluating the area, decorative materials, and determining the heat source’s capabilities.

4. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for installation and use when utilizing authorized equipment, installing equipment, or any temporary structure, display, or device.

5. Contact EH&S prior to initiating any project related to construction, remodel, special event, and anything that involves the use of the exit system other than normal traffic ingress and egress. (Exit system includes—lobbies, corridors, hallways, exit doors, stairways, and exit passageways).

6. Maintain clear unobstructed view and operation of any fire protection device (smoke
   detectors, heat detectors, manual fire pull stations, audible visual devices, fire sprinkler heads, fire panels, and special fire suppression systems/apparatus).

7. Refuse (garbage) should be disposed (removed from the building) on a daily basis at a minimum.

Electrical Safety
The following guidelines must be assured whenever electrical equipment, lighting, or any electrical wiring is utilized or affected by decorative materials or displays:

1. All electrical equipment and lighting must be tested and approved by a recognized testing laboratory, e.g., Underwriters Laboratory (UL).

2. All appliances and lighting must be inspected for damage and operability prior to use.

3. Use appliances and lighting only as approved and recommended by the manufacturer. Lighting must be mounted in a manner that will not damage the wiring or be damaged by other equipment. Use of adhesive transparent tape to adhere wiring to walls or the use of hooks to drape wiring is acceptable for temporary conditions and approved by EH&S or the State Fire Marshal.

4. Running electrical cords through doorways or any openings through walls, ceilings, or floors is prohibited.

5. Extension cords must be at least a minimum of 16 gauge or heavier with a ground (three prong) and cannot run in series .

6. The use of multi-plug adapters is prohibited. (Exception: any adapter or cord that has an operational circuit breaker is acceptable for more than one appliance as long as used within the recommended use, design, and load capacities of the manufacturer.)

Christmas Trees and other Plant Life 
Below are State Fire Marshal and other code requirements to follow whenever decorating or displaying materials utilizing any plant life for the interior or exterior of a facility:

1. Cut Christmas trees are prohibited—only fire retardant artificial trees or "live" trees are acceptable (root type in soil). Live rooted trees must be checked daily and watered as needed.

2. Trees shall not be located in any manner that will block or obstruct an exit or passageway. Only approved lighting shall be used on trees. Ensure that all electrical wiring is in good condition and connections are secure.

3. Any decorations on or around the tree must be non-combustible or properly treated with fire retardant material.

4. Palm fronds and any other cut vegetation is prohibited unless approved by EH&S for specific temporary use and verified all vegetation is fire retardant treated. (Exception: cut flowers are acceptable for temporary display in a personal area as long as it does not create a fire hazard.)

Candles/Open Flames and other Heat Sources
Any item utilized for decoration, display, or personal use that generates or emits heat must comply with the following guidelines:

1. Use of candles, open flames, and burning are prohibited in all university buildings. (Exception: Authorized "hot work" by qualified maintenance personnel and temporary approval granted by the ASU Fire Marshal or State Fire Marshal--Temporary approval is granted on a one-time individual case-by-case basis.)

2. Portable heaters and other portable heat generating equipment must have appropriate safety features to automatically shutoff power to equipment whenever tipped over or the temperature of the device exceeds the manufacturer’s pre-determined heat exposure limit, (must be U.L. listed).

3. Use of any type of heat generating product or equipment must be utilized as recommended by the manufacturer.

Temporary Structures
Temporary structures are any facility that is designed for temporary use or defined as temporary construction, e.g., trailers and tents. Each temporary structure must comply with the following:

1. Trailer, tents, temporary walls or ceilings constructed of any materials must be approved by the ASU Fire Marshal or State Fire Marshal.

2. From any point, a minimum of a 2-A:10-B:C rated fire extinguisher must be within a 75 feet travel distance for light to moderate hazard areas, 50 feet for high hazard areas. (Travel distance cannot include steps, through secured doors, or any special conditions that restrict the user in obtaining the fire extinguisher and returning to fight the fire.)

3. Special fire protection measures may be necessary for events to meet requirements of the Uniform Building and Fire Codes. (These measures are determined by submitting the purpose and all pertinent information relating to the temporary structure to the ASU Fire Marshal or State Fire Marshal.)

Emergency Planning and Execution

Emergency plans and drills are necessary for all facilities to help ensure a safe, effective, and efficient evacuation. Residential Life facilities where the occupants live require an emergency plan for each facility which includes quarterly fire drills (one will be an unannounced—no notice fire drill).

Each staff working and/or residing in residential halls must be aware of the emergency plans, how to execute an evacuation, and proper notification procedures for prompt emergency response. The plan includes floor plans indicating exit locations, telephone numbers for emergency contact of occupants and responders, all egress notification procedures, evacuation procedures, and assembly area for accountability.

APPLICABLE REGULATIONS

29 CFR Part 1910
Arizona Administrative Code R4-36-201 et seq.

UNIVERSITY DOCUMENTATION AND MANUALS

Arizona State University Fire Prevention and Safety Plan

This guideline is provided as a general guideline for residential life facilities and does not cover all code compliance issues. If you have any questions or concerns, or need additional information, contact the ASU Fire Marshal at (480) 965-1823 or e-mail at EHS@asu.edu.

Mailing Address: PO Box 873804, Tempe, Arizona 85287-3804
Contact Email: EHS@asu.edu
Phone: (480) 965-1823
FAX:  (480) 965-0736