Fire Prevention and Response

Candles and other open flames can only be used with appropriate permission. They pose a great fire risk and violate fire safety codes. To learn more, visit the Candles, Open Flames ISU Policy.

Fire extinguishers at Iowa State University meet regulatory requirements and allow trained employees to attempt to extinguish small fires. EH&S offers hands-on and online training courses in Workday Learning and Canvas (students) that cover all aspects of fire extinguisher use. Fire extinguisher training is required for all university staff on an annual basis. If you need assistance, please contact ehstrain@iastate.edu.

EH&S installs, maintains, and inspects fire extinguishers at Iowa State University. Departments are responsible for charges related to fire extinguishers in departmental areas.  Please contact EH&S with concerns about the placement or selection of fire extinguishers. Any extinguisher found to be faulty, discharged, or missing must be reported to EH&S at (515) 294-5359 or ehsinfo@iastate.edu.

Only attempt to use an extinguisher if…

• You have been trained.
• The fire alarm was activated and 911 was called.
• The fire is small and there is very little smoke.
• You have an exit.
•  The extinguisher is rated for materials involved in the fire.

Use the P.A.S.S. Method

• Pull the pin.
• Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the handle.
• Sweep side to side.

Policies

• Fire Extinguishers ISU Policy

Links

• Fire Extinguisher Self Inspection (PDF) 
• Fire Safety and Extinguisher Training (Workday Learning)

The use and storage of flammable and combustible liquids must comply with State Fire Marshal Division rules. Below are guides to the most common regulations relating to flammable and combustible liquids.

Definitions

Combustible: A liquid with a flash point over 100°F (38°C).

• Examples: diesel fuel, motor oil.
• Hazard: May produce ignitable vapors at elevated temperatures.

Flammable: A liquid with a flash point under 100°F.

• Examples: gasoline, acetone, toluene, diethyl ether, alcohols.
• Hazard: May produce ignitable vapors at normal ambient temperatures.

Precautions

• Ensure that all stored containers are in good condition, closed, and properly labeled.
• Use flammable liquids and combustible liquids in a fume hood to prevent the buildup of ignitable vapor/air mixtures or inhalation of toxic vapors or gases. 
• Avoid placing ignition sources (hot materials, flames, or sparking equipment) in the general vicinity of these liquids. If possible, replace open flames with electrical heating.
• Ground equipment likely to produce a static spark.
• Implement additional safety precautions when flammable and combustible liquids are heated to or above their flash points.
• Compressed or liquefied gases present special fire hazards. Refer to the EH&S Gas Cylinder Safety Guidelines (PDF).

Contact between incompatible chemicals presents a serious fire risk. Proper handling and storage procedures should be followed. 

Storage cabinets

No more than 10 gallons (37.9L) of flammable liquids may be kept outside of an approved storage cabinet at any time. Flammable and combustible liquid storage cabinets shall meet appropriate NFPA standards and may not be modified in any way. It is not recommended to ventilate storage cabinets. If not ventilated, storage cabinet vent openings shall be sealed with the bungs supplied with the cabinet. 

Safety cans

Up to 5.3 gallons (20L) of flammable and combustible liquids may be stored in UL- or FM-listed safety cans. Safety cans must be constructed from metal and come equipped with a flame arrestor and spring-loaded caps on both the filling and pouring spouts to prevent spillage when dropped. The double-perforated metal surface of the flame-arrestor screen prevents flames from entering the container. Safety cans are available for both dispensing products and collecting waste. Safety cans shall not be modified. Many consumer portable fuel containers available at stores do not meet safety can standards.

Refrigerator storage

Commercially available domestic refrigerators contain built-in ignition sources and shall not be used to store flammable liquids or explosive chemicals. Light bulbs, switches, temperature controls, standard plugs, motor-starting relays, thermal overload devices, and heater strips (for frost control) are all ignition sources.

Before using a space heater, contact Facilities Planning & Management at (515) 294-5100 or use FPM's report a problem online option to ensure there isn't a mechanical problem causing the colder temperatures in your office. In appropriate situations, approved space heaters are available.

Approved space heaters

The space heaters approved for office use can be purchased from Central Stores or the Grainger catalog in cyBUY, which is now accessed through the "Procurement" icon in Workday. The two approved models are:

1. Portable electric heater by Dayton
   • Available through Central Stores for same-day delivery or pickup
   • Available at Grainger (item #3VU33)
2. Portable electric heater by TPI Corp.
   • Available at Grainger (item #31TR33)

Correct use of space heaters

• It's plugged directly into the wall (no multi-plug power strips or extension cords).
• Combustible materials, including wastebaskets, are at least 3 feet away.
• It's operated only in the manner for which it is listed.