Fire and Safety Inspections

As required by the State Requirements for Educational Facilities, National Electric Code, and Florida Statutes, it is that time of year when the Facilities Department along with the State Certified Inspector conduct inspections of all CF spaces for compliance in sanitation, life safety, sustainability and fire safety.  We will conduct inspections of the Ocala campus, Tuesday, April 8, and regional campuses, Wednesday, April 9, to verify correction of any past violations and that no new violations have occurred.

In past years disallowed items including electrical extension cords and space heaters have been removed.  CF has in the past been cited in a report of non-compliance regarding these findings.  Other recurring infractions include: propped open doors, blocked exits, blocked fire alarm pulls, and general lack of housekeeping in certain areas.  The SREF inspector has requested that Plant Operations address these issues and take measures to ensure these fire safety violations do not recur.

As part of our compliance effort, we ask that you take individual responsibility and here is how you can help:

• Do not prop doors open that have automatic closers.  Closers are on fire-rated doors to maintain a firewall safe corridor.  Yes, it is true, wooden, and plastic or rubber blocks / wedges are a violation of the code and law.  If you feel you have a special need, email me for review.
• Do not use extension cords.  Multi-plug (surge strips) are allowed; however, you may not plug additional surge strips into a surge strip (no “daisy-chaining” please).  If you have electrical needs, please have your Dean / Director / Departmental Assistant complete a facilities work order using the online CF Maintenance Request Form.
• Do not use space heaters under any circumstances.  If you have, heating / cooling issues, please contact the maintenance department using the Online Heating / Cooling Request Form.
• Do not block access to fire alarm pulls or emergency indicators.
• Do not block access to fire extinguishers.
• Do not block access to exits.
• Do not block fire sprinkler heads with items 18 inches from the ceiling.
• Turn off your lights for sustainability.  They will be turned off when the inspection is concluded.
• Clean out your refrigerators and tidy up your workspace.  Debris and obstructions breed an array of safety issues. If you are aware of outstanding or recurring custodial issues, please use the Online Custodial Services Request Form to document the issue to be tracked until resolution.
• If you know of a safety issue or condition that exists, let me know.

If you need additional information concerning these inspections, contact Craig Davis, Plant Safety Manager, Facility Operations, at davisc@cf.edu  or extension 1803.  Thank you in advance for your help in this matter.