FIRE SAFETY POLICY

No individual shall do anything or permit others to do anything, bring or keep anything on University-owned or University-leased property, that will in any way increase the rate of fire insurance on the property, or conflict with the laws relating to fire and safety or with any regulations of the fire department or municipal ordinances; or with the University’s insurance policies covering University-owned or University-leased property.

OPEN FLAMES: 

All devices producing an open flame including the burning of candles, sparklers or incense, are prohibited on all University-owned or University-leased property.

SPACE HEATERS:

The use of space heaters on all University-owned or University-leased property must meet all of the requirements listed under the policy for Space Heaters (see Space Heaters tab on this website).

POWER STRIPS AND SURGE PROTECTORS:  

The use of power strips and surge protectors is permitted on University-owned or University-leased property with adherence to the following requirements:

  • Use only power strips and surge protectors that have a built-in breaker. These units should trip the breaker if the strip is overloaded, or if there is a surge in electricity. If this occurs, Site Support (271-2121) should be notified.
  • Do not plug another power strip or surge protector into an existing power strip or surge protector. This practice is called "piggybacking."
  • Power strips and surge protectors must be UL (underwriters Laboratory) or FM (Factory Mutual) approved.
  • There should not be more than one power strip or surge protector plugged into a dual electrical outlet.
  • UL approved power strips or surge protectors can be purchased at most hardware stores and from several University approved vendors.
  • Replace power strips and surge protectors that do not have a built-in breaker, if there are any frayed wires, or if the unit is not working properly.

The OUHSC Police Department, Environmental Health and Safety Office, and Site Support reserve the right to inspect any surge protector or power strip that creates a hazard or is inappropriate to a particular location based on specific circumstances, code, these rules or legal requirement.  Anyone with questions or desiring clarification concerning these guidelines should contact the OUHSC Fire Marshal's Office at 271-5522 x 5.

EXTENSION CORDS:

The use of extension cords on University-owned or University-leased property is discouraged.  If extension cords are used, they must only be used temporarily and must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Extension cords may be no longer than six (6) feet in length for interior use and no longer than one-hundred (100) feet in length for exterior use.
  • Extension cords should be used in their correct designated environment. Interior designated extension cords should be used inside, and exterior designated extension cords must be used outside.
  • Only UL (Underwriters Laboratory) type 12/3 heavy duty extension cords may be used.
  • Extension cords may not be plugged together to make a longer than authorized cord.
  • If there is a problem with accessibility to electricity or electrical outlets, please contact Site Support (271-2121).
  • The use of multi-plug electrical outlet adapters to obtain more outlets is not permitted.
  • Replace worn or frayed extension cords and discard them. DO NOT run extension cords under carpets.
  • Whenever possible, unplug extension cords when they are not in use.

The OUHSC Police Department, Environmental Health and Safety Office, and Site Support reserve the right to inspect any extension cord that creates a hazard or is inappropriate to a particular location based on specific circumstances, code, these rules or legal requirement.  Anyone with questions or desiring clarification concerning these guidelines should contact the OUHSC Fire Marshal's Office at 271-5522 x 5.