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 COLOR 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 COLOR 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

Evacuation other than from the fire floor will be coordinated by the Chicago Fire Department.  In the event the decision has been made to start evacuation of the building, the Chicago Fire Department will use the Fire Fighter's Auto System (speaker System), to make the appropriate announcement to all areas that would be affected.  If there is no speaker system, firefighters will direct building occupants in person.  You are required then to respond to the Fire Department's commands and/or instructions on what to do and/or how to get out of the building.

Notify the fire department personnel of the location of wheel chaired personnel or people physically impaired that would require assistance.  A temporary safe area of refuge would be a stairwell after it has been cleared of people from the floors above or through a set of fire doors.

Do not use the elevators unless you are directed by the Chicago Fire Department.

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).