Fire and Life Safety

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It's a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, medical device that can analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.

AEDs are available in all campus buildings (see list below). Anyone can use an AED, though it is recommended to receive training prior to doing so. To learn more about AEDs, how to use them, and/or training on this and other important life-saving tactics, visit the American Red Cross or American Heart Association for more information.

AED Campus Locations

AEDs are available in the following locations and are commonly stored in white metal cabinets with "AED" posted on the top for enhanced wayfinding.

Fire Safety

EHS maintains campus building floor plans with fire & life safety information and other resources listed for wayfinding purposes. Also, EHS conducts regular fire & life safety inspections of campus facilities, assists in the development and implementation of emergency management planning, and assists with testing of all fire detection systems to ensure compliance with nationally recognized codes and standards.

In the event of a fire, remember to RACE then PASS:

RACE:

• Rescue: Get yourself and those closest away from the fire.
• Alarm: Activate the building's central alarm system and call 911
• Contain: Close the door behind you on your way out of the room
• Extinguish: Attempt to douse the fire* if trained, comfortable, and it's safe to do so

PASS:

• Pull pin holding the handle in place
• Aim extinguisher nozzle at base of fire
• Squeeze or press handle
• Sweep from side to side until fire is extinguished

*Do not attempt to extinguish the fire if it has grown beyond the Incipient Stage, or larger than a small office garbage can.

Open Flame Safety

Any use of open flame on TAMUT property shall require a permit. The use of candles and open flames is not allowed in campus buildings, on university grounds, or in association with university-sponsored events or functions; exceptions can be requested through the EHS Manager. The state of Texas adopts all fire codes published by the International Code Council (ICC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) addresses specific standards regarding open flame under OSHA 1926.151.

Open Burn Permit:

In accordance with the requirements of the International Fire Code (Sec. F-403.4.2), written permission is required before the ignition of any open burning upon state owned property. All burns shall be in compliance with all applicable statutes, laws, rules, and/or regulations including the Texas Clean Air Act and the Texas Outdoor Burning Rule, title 30, Texas Administrative Code (30 TAC), sections 111,201-111.221. The following is a list of activities that require an Open Burn Permit:

• Recognized range or wildlife management practices
• Prevention to control diseases or pests
• Bonfires/campfires/firepits
• Artwork and/or performances involving open flames
• Cooking with sterno cans indoor or outdoor
• Activities involving open flames, candles, and/or incense

Application must be made in writing at least seven (7) working days prior to the date of event.

Open Burn Permit

Grill Permit:

Any use of portable grills on TAMUT property shall require a grill permit. Applications for a grill permit shall be submitted at least 1 business days prior to the grilling event. The use of fixed/installed grills does not require a grill permit.

All burns shall be in compliance with all applicable statutes, laws, rules, and/or regulations including the Texas Clean Air Act and the Texas Outdoor Burning Rule, title 30, Texas Administrative Code (30 TAC), sections 111,207.

Portable grills must be operated no closer than 20 feet from any university building or combustible materials. All grills, installed and portable, shall be monitored at all times until they are cool to the touch. Portable grills shall be placed on a non-combustible surface; e.g., asphalt, cement, gravel.

A portable fire extinguisher is required to be present at the grill site, and readily accessible for use. Do not remove any installed portable fire extinguisher from any building!

Do not place hot coals into trash cans or dumpsters.

Outdoor Grilling Permit

Hot Work Permit:

Any work on campus that will produce sparks or is accomplished using open flame shall require a hot work permit. Requests for hot work permits shall be submitted at least 24 hours in advance through the EHS Manager. Hot work shall comply with NFPA 51B and NFPA 1.2021 as well as be in compliance with all applicable statutes, laws, rules, and/or regulations including Texas Administrative Code (30 TAC), sections 361.3 and OSHA 1917.152(c)(5).

The following Information must be provided at the time of request:

• Location of hot work
• Date and Time permit is required
• Point of Contact with phone number

Emergency requests for hot work permits will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Hot Work Permit