Fire Safety

Fire Alarm Procedure
RACE
PASS
Building Evacuation
Fire Extinguisher Classifications
Fire Classifications
Smoke
UIC Smoking Policy

UIC FIRE ALARM PROCEDURE

All building occupants are required by UIC policy to follow and adhere to the University Fire Plan, which consists of the RACE and PASS procedures.

RACE

When there is a fire in your area, perform the RACE procedures:

  1. Rescue anyone in immediate danger of the fire.
  2. Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station and call 5-5555. The fire bell will ring on the fire floor and throughout the building. The alarm will also signal  the UIC Police who will notify the Chicago Fire Department. Calling the 5-5555 is the back-up to ensure the UIC Police received the alarm and to verify the fire as reported. A fire alarm enunciator panel located in the first floor lobby will light up indicating the location of the alarm, in some cases a punch recorder is used instead of an enunciator panel.
  3. Confine the fire by closing doors to the fire (do not lock). As people are notified to evacuate, ensure that all doors are closed.
  4. Evacuate to an area of refuge. When a fire is reported on your floor everyone is required to evacuate the area either through a set of fire doors on your floor or via the stairs downward at least two floors to a safe area or to the outside. Never go up (unless you're below grade) or down to an area below grade. Do not use elevators!

The poster shown below, which summarizing the RACE procedure, should be posted near each work area. A printed wall poster is available from the Health and Safety Section (6-7233 or 6-SAFE). If you would like to make your own RACE poster, click on the image to get a larger version that can be printed on 8.5" by 11" paper (best with a C OLO R printer but OK in black and white). Since doing this will open up a new copy of your web browser, you will need to should close or minimize the extra copy of the browser to return to this page.

If an attempt is made to extinguish a fire, ensure that you don't put yourself in danger. You should know how to deal with the immediate situation and be knowledgeable in the use of fire extinguishers. It is also recommended to have another person with you in case a problem occurs and immediate help is required.

PASS procedures:  This is how to properly operate a fire extinguisher.

  1. Pull the pin, release a lock latch, or press a puncture lever.
  2. Aim the extinguisher nozzle, horn, or nose at the base of the fire.
  3. Squeeze or press the handle.
  4. Sweep from side-to-side in most cases.  But extinguishing techniques vary. Read the directions.

The poster shown below, which summarizes the PASS procedure, should be posted near every work area.  A printed wall poster is available from the Health and Safety Section (6-7233 or 6-SAFE). If you would like to make your own PASS poster, click on the image to get a larger version that can be printed on 8.5" by 11" paper from a COL OR printer. Click here to get a version that can be print on a black and white printer. Since selecting either of the above links will open up a new copy of your web browser, you should close or minimize the extra copy of the browser to return to this page.

BUILDING EVACUATION

In preparation for any event that may require you to evacuate a building, it’s important to know what you should do beforehand so that you’re better prepared to evacuate the building safely and efficiently should the need arise.

  1. Identify the two nearest exits for your area. It’s important to know two exit paths should you find one blocked by smoke, fire or other hazards.
  2. Identify the location of the nearest fire alarm pull station if they exist in your building. This is the best way to alert others about a fire.
  3. Follow the instructions of emergency services personnel. These people will include the UIC Police Department, the Chicago Fire Department, the UIC Environmental Health and Safety office and other emergency services personnel.
  4. Once the fire alarm is activated you should leave immediately through the nearest and safest exit. Do not attempt to use the elevators as a means of exit.
  5. If you’re not able to evacuate the building without assistance and there is visible smoke or fire in your immediate area, you should proceed to the nearest stairwell landing and wait for evacuation assistance. If there is no immediate danger (smoke or fire) you may go into any room that has a door that can be shut and a phone that can be used. Use the phone to call the UIC Police. Their emergency phone number is (312) 355-5555, or 5-5555 from a campus phone. Be prepared to tell them your location so that they know where to find you.
  6. Close, but do not lock, all doors to help slow the spread of fire and smoke.
  7. Once you’re outside, proceed to move at least 50 feet away from the building so that you’re far enough away from any danger that may exist, such as shattering glass. This also gives emergency services personnel enough room to do their job.
  8. Call the UIC Police Department at (312) 355-5555 to alert them of the activated alarm. Be prepared to tell them the name and address of the building.

Fire Extinguisher Classifications:

Class A         Water  (H2O)
Class B-C      Carbon Dioxide  (CO2)
Class A-B-C   Dry Chemical  (Powder)

Fire Classifications:

Class A   Ordinary combustibles - paper, cloth, rubber, etc.
Class B   Flammable liquids - grease, oil, gas, alcohol, etc.
Class C   Electrical - Equipment that is generating electricity.

You should know:

SMOKE

A smell of smoke that cannot be identified must be reported to the UIC Police so that it can be investigated.   If you are instructed to activate the nearest fire alarm pull box. - DO SO!

UIC SMOKING POLICY

Smoking is not permitted in any of the buildings on campus.

Question/situations regarding the fire safety or building evacuation should be brought to the attention of the (EHSO) Environmental Health & Safety Office, 6-7233 (6-SAFE).