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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

College Wide Fire Safety Update


To: MCC Faculty and Staff
From: Chris Caswell, Acting Supervisor, Safety/Hazard Prevention
Date: April 27, 2005
Subject: 2005 MCC College Wide Fire Inspection Results
 
Within the past few months the entire college, including Damon and all the satellite buildings, has been inspected by the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Building Control. This is an annual inspection to ensure we are in compliance with all fire and safety codes. Overall, the college inspection was uneventful. There are still a few outstanding items which we need your help with.

Fire and smoke doors are being propped open. Fire doors are meant to limit the spread of smoke and/or fire and cannot operate properly if they are propped open. Doors can be held open with magnets that release when the fire alarm goes off similar to the doors in the hallways. If the doors are in a high traffic area and you need to have them open, you can contact the Safety Office and we will have them connected to the fire alarm system. However, there is a charge for this installation.

All hallways must be kept clear of possible obstacles for a swift and safe exit of the buildings. Furniture and other items have been found blocking the hallways, especially in Buildings 5 and 8. All of these items must be removed. Shipping and Receiving has done an excellent job of clearing most of the obstacles, and I would like to avoid seeing items reappear. We understand it is necessary to have areas for the students to study in the towers, and our office would be glad to meet with you and try to find a suitable alternative.

Extension cords are only made for temporary power, not as a permanent solution. If you relocate furniture and need power for devices, you can contact facilities to relocate outlets to facilitate your setup.

Following are the codes which relate to the above items:
Item No. 1 NYSFC F-703.2 Fire doors or smoke barrier doors are blocked or obstructed or otherwise inoperable
Item No. 2 NYSFC F-1011.2 Exit, Exit access, or exit discharge is obstructed.
Item No. 3 NYSFC F-605.5 Extension cords and flexible cords used as a substitute for permanent wiring.

The NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Building Control also reviewed our policies on fire alarms and fire drills. One discrepancy that was discovered was the advance notification of the college community. We are not allowed to notify the college of any fire drills which are planned. We will try to find a time that is suitable for the majority of people based on the events schedules; however, it will not be announced. Our office will make a post drill notice in the MCC Daily Tribune with any relevant observations.

Please contact the Safety Office with these or any other safety concerns (292-3150).

Christian D. Caswell
Safety Hazard Prevention
05/02/2005