Be on Alert: Close Fire Rated Doors in Lab Areas

It is critical that we individually and collectively commit to taking an active role in maintaining a safe and secure research environment for our research colleagues and the animals entrusted to our care.

A recent Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Fire Safety Inspection noted that many of the corridor doors in Medical School laboratory areas were being propped open with door wedges or equipment. This practice is not acceptable as it does not maintain the necessary fire separation from the research area to the egress corridors and compromises the fire safety design of the building.

Your assistance with ensuring that fire rated doors remain consistently closed is one small but increasingly important step toward keeping all laboratory/research areas safe. Fire rated doors can be identified by the metal tag that is attached to the hinge stile of the door, similar to this tag (note that specific information may vary on each door).

Finally, in recognition of October being Fire Safety Month, we ask that you review the following tips for what to do in the event of a fire emergency:

• Call 911
• Be prepared – know the location of exits
• Remain calm
• Proceed to the nearest exit
• Stay away from building entrances once outside
• Re-enter the building only when the “All Clear” has been issued

Questions?

If you have any additional questions or would like more information, please reach out to EHS Fire Safety Services at (734) 647-1143 or visit the Fire Prevention page(s) on the EHS website.