HOUSING DEPARTMENT UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE HOUSING FIRE SAFETY REGULATIONS - WHY?
The fire safety regulations enforced by the University are communicated to students each year in the booklet, Residential Living Policies and Dining Services Guide. For specific information on what is permitted and what is prohibited, and to find out what fines or other penalties are imposed for violations, please refer to this guide.
The language in which the fire safety regulations are stated is necessarily formal and precise because the University has an obligation to be absolutely specific about the regulations it will enforce, particularly when penalties are assessed for violating them.
The list of regulations, though, does not include any extensive explanation of the reasons, which underlie them. We do point out that the law requires a particular regulation where that is the case and we do say that they are intended to prevent injuries to members of the University community, and physical damage to facilities.
What follows will be an effort to explain the rationale behind each of our fire safety regulations, using plain language and being as concise as it is possible to be. First, though, a few words about the University's approach to the question of fire safety in dormitories.
It would be possible for the University to structure an environment which would be absolutely safe by banning every type of behavior or item which might in any way be hazardous. Such an environment would be so sterile, though, that no one could comfortably live in it.
At the other extreme, we could structure an environment which would maximize comfort and convenience and which would be unsafe for human habitation.
Somewhere between those two extremes, a reasonable balance between safety and convenience has to be found. The University has tried to do that.
We are frequently asked why we ban behaviors or items, which seem to be less unsafe than other behaviors or items which are permitted. Irons, for example, are permitted, while toasters are not.
No one suggests that a toaster is more of a hazard than an iron. But in the effort to find a reasonable compromise between safety and convenience, it is necessary to take into account factors other than a simple measure of the danger involved in particular behavior. How necessary to a reasonably comfortable existence is the item or behavior? Is that necessity strong enough to justify the risks the behavior entails?
Obviously, reasonable people will arrive at different answers to those questions. The University has arrived at a certain set of answers with which one might differ. But critics of the fire safety policy ought to believe and understand that those within the University who share the responsibility for formulating that policy are trying to protect both the safety and the comfort of resident students.
Now an item by item discussion of the reasons for each of the regulations which are included in the fire safety policy.
ELECTRICAL HEAT-PRODUCING APPLIANCES (Item # 1 of Fire Safety Policy)
The University determined to ban all electrical heat-producing appliances after being informed by safety inspectors from public agencies and by insurance underwriters that their presence in our dormitories was creating a serious threat to the safety of the buildings and their occupants. When that decision was made, it was pointed out that there were some appliances that students could not be expected to do without. Four such items were identified: irons, hair curlers, hair dryers and electric blankets. Certainly, reasonable people can quarrel with any of those items or argue for the addition of other items. The list was never etched in stone. The list has been subject to debate and revision. Sun lamps were once added and then subsequently removed. Clothes steamers were added and remain on the list.
In the case of those permitted appliances, considerations of necessity have been judged to be sufficiently strong to require the University to tolerate the safety risk their presence involves. The University has never claimed that an iron is safer to have around than a hot pot, only that an iron is a necessity and a hot pot is not.
No item whose function it is to prepare food has ever passed the test of necessity. In the case of such items, considerations of safety always outweighed considerations of convenience or comfort.
In 1989, however, at the urging of students, the University agreed to determine whether or not there existed a hot pot and/or a popcorn popper safe enough to be permitted even though neither meets the test of necessity. Those were the two items which students described as most important to them. As a result, the University purchased, tested and thoroughly examined available models.
In the case of popcorn poppers, two acceptable models were initially identified. Other poppers have subsequently been tested at the request of the students, and some have been found to be acceptable. The complete list of acceptable popcorn poppers appears online http://www.princeton.edu/facilities/housing/inspections/fire_safety/authorized/
The particular models of kettle listed above meet two specific requirements. First, they have no lid. Water can be loaded into the kettle only through the spout. This prevents the user from putting other items into the kettle and using it as a cooking implement. (Cooking in dormitories in prohibited by New Jersey law.)
Second, the kettles that have been approved are not only UL approved, but also have an uncommon safety feature in the form of a safety fuse which shuts the appliance off in the event that the item's thermostat malfunctions. This fuse is not the item's primary shutoff feature but a second, backup fuse.
Please remember that all kettles, coffee makers and popcorn poppers are prohibited except for those, which are specifically listed online in the Residential Living Policies and Dining Services Guide. http://www.princeton.edu/facilities/housing/inspections/fire_safety/authorized/
HALOGEN LAMPS (Item #2)
The halogen lamp was banned in 1997 after a number of small fires occurred on campus as a result of these lamps. These lamps produce a very high temperature after a very short period of use. It does not take long for an item to combust when it comes in contact with halogen bulb.
SPACE HEATERS (Item # 3)
Space heaters are prohibited because they are among the most hazardous of all electrical appliances if misused or if they malfunction. If you have a special need, which is not met by the regular supply of heat in your dormitory, you should contact Customer Service (8-8000 or www.service@princeton.edu) . Someone will evaluate the problem and provide you with an approved space heater if one is warranted.
FIRE ALARMS (Item # 4)
Probably no resident of a dormitory needs to have the rule explained which prohibits the intentional activation of a fire alarm when there is not fire emergency. But just in case even one resident does not understand, let it be stated that false fire alarms not only cause inconvenience and disturb many people, they also contribute to a feeling of complacency which can result in ignoring a fire alarm when there is a genuine emergency.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS (Item # 5)
The regulation prohibits removing a fire extinguisher from its proper location or discharging it when there is no emergency. While extinguishers are sometimes discharged, they are more frequently used as doorstops or for some similar purpose. Why is that a big deal? Because if the fire extinguisher is not located where it's supposed to be, someone in an emergency situation may not be able to find it. And, of course, if an extinguisher is discharged by someone who treats it like a toy, it is not available for use in a fire emergency until it has been recharged.
ALARM SYSTEMS (Item # 6)
All of the life safety systems in the room are there to alert the resident(s) in case of an emergency. If one covers a smoke detector intentionally, or arranges items in a room in such a way as to block the flow of smoke toward it, the smoke detector cannot function.
If one covers or hangs an item on a sprinkler head, the sprinkler cannot function as intended. Also, the placing of an item on any component of the sprinkler system may weaken and damage it. As a result, the room may become flooded as a result from this action. Should a fire occur while the smoke detector and/or sprinkler head is covered or blocked, persons in the building will not be warned because the alarm will not be activated.
The carbon monoxide detectors are in some buildings due to the presence of a solid fuel burning device (i.e. gas fired appliance, fireplace, etc.). If the detector is covered or tampered with, it cannot function as intended.
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS (Item # 7)
Live trees, wreaths, garland, and bunting particularly when they begin to get dry are highly flammable. If a fire should start in a dormitory room with a real tree, wreath or bunting, the entire dormitory is at risk.
ROOM ENTRY DOOR - CLOSER/LOCKSET (Item # 8)
The NJ State Construction Code requires the room entry doors to close and
latch. The door is fire rated; therefore the door is a smoke and heat barrier and is required to stay closed and latched. If a fire occurs, the door keeps the fire and smoke from spreading out to the hall or from the hallway into the room. The NJ State Fire
Code requires the University to maintain the doors as they were installed and intended for use under the NJ State Construction Code. This is why room entry doors may not be propped or any component of that assembly (striker, keeper, etc.) be altered so the door will not close and latch fully.
EGRESS/ 2ND EGRESS (Item # 9)
If an egress or second egress is blocked, particularly in the dark or in smoky conditions, people may not be able to find it, may stumble approaching it, or may be unable to remove the blockage.
Also, there should not be any items in the pathway or near the egress doors. These doors should close fully by themselves to contain the fire and smoky conditions if a fire was to occur. If there is an item in this area it could prevent the door from serving its purpose, thus spreading the fire.
SAFETY SEALS (Item # 10)
Safety seals have been placed on doors leading to elevated surfaces. These seals are placed on the doors to prevent occupants from gaining access to elevated surfaces during non-emergency situations. In the case of an emergency, these seals are easily broken allowing the occupant(s) to open the door and exit the room.
OPEN FLAMES (Item # 11)
Open flames, such as those in kerosene lamps, candles and incense are not permitted because such flames may ignite other items in the room and cause an uncontained fire.
EXTERIOR ELEVATED SURFACE (Item # 12)
Exterior elevated areas (fire escapes, roof, parapets, etc.) are designed to be used as a second means of egress. No items may be placed on a fire escape at any time. If an item were placed on a fire escape, the item would hinder the occupant(s) from leaving the room and/or hinder the rescuer.
No items, including antennas and wire, lights, flags, banners, etc. are not to be placed or affixed to the outside of any building due to the potential for an individual to fall and be injured. Also, the item may fall injuring someone or cause damage to the property.
SAFETY SIGNS/EVACUATION SIGNS (Item # 13)
We prohibit tampering with, removing, covering, altering or defacing safety/evacuation signs and markings simply in order to prevent them from becoming obscured. An "EXIT" sign is only useful if it can be seen and read.
ELECTRICAL WIRING (Item # 14)
Residents may not alter the wiring in their rooms because faulty wiring is extremely dangerous. The university cannot know which students are capable electricians, so to protect all residents it allows only its own expert electricians to work with wiring in the dormitories.
Too many extension cords, damaged cords, ordinary power strips, cords that are routed where they may become frayed - all can lead to electrical fires.
Cords should not be routed where they can be walked upon. If you must rout a cord in a pathway, you must protect it with a rubber threshold. Placing it under a carpet or taping it down does not protect the cord.
Adapter/cubes are not permitted in dormitories. If you need additional outlet capacity, the University requires that you use a breaker type power strip. If the electrical load becomes too great, the breaker will trip instead of shorting out the receptacle (increasing the risk of a fire).
ITEMS AFFIXED TO EGRESS DOORS OR WINDOWS (Item #15)
There are two primary reasons why nothing may be affixed to an egress door or window: First, materials attached to egress doors can serve as fuel for a fire and decrease the ability of the door to resist burning and contain the fire. Second, items placed on a door or window can obscure the fact that it is a door or window, in particular under smoky conditions or in the dark. While the resident may be familiar with the location of everything in the room, others in the room when a fire develops may not be.
TAPESTRIES AND OTHER WALL COVERINGS (Item # 16)
There are probably as many questions about the tapestries and wall coverings regulation as there are about anything in the whole policy. Let's take it item by item.
Tapestries and other wall coverings must be hung vertically, not horizontally, in order to avoid providing fuel for a fire, which begins in one part of the room and could travel across the ceiling if it had a vehicle like a tapestry. Secondly, a horizontal tapestry, if set afire, will fall onto anyone who is in the room. Tapestries may not be draped from wall to wall, but must be installed flat to walls because they will not catch fire as quickly as they will when hanging loosely.
Wall coverings must be located not closer than 18" to any heat source. This practice will decrease the chance of a fire caused by a wall covering coming into contact with any heat source. This includes lights, receptacles, and any other heat source.
Spaces must be left between all wall coverings. The University requires there be a minimum of 6" between items, making it more difficult for a fire to travel throughout a room
DISORDERLY CONDITIONS (Item # 17)
Residents frequently ask what do piles of clothing on the floor have to do with fire safety. If you will imagine a fire in the middle of the night and someone hurrying to get out of the room in the dark, you'll have the answer. Piles of anything strewn around a room constitute a tripping hazard.
The second reason for this regulation is more obvious. Excessive paper or other items strewn around a room will feed a fire and allow it to travel quickly throughout the entire space.
Thirdly, unsanitary conditions increase the risk of insect or rodent infestation. Obviously this causes unpleasant living conditions not only for the occupant of the room, but also for occupants nearby.
REFRIGERATORS or FREEZER (Item # 18)
There is a long list of standards for refrigerators/freezers, most of which are designed to prevent the presence of refrigerators/freezers which do not function properly and therefore become unsafe. Other standards have to do with preventing the refrigerators/freezers from blocking egress or restricting the flow of air in the room or being located in such a way as to foster heat build-up. A malfunctioning refrigerators/freezers can cause a fire or contribute to the problem in the event of a fire.
An occupant may only have either a refrigerator or a freezer is to prevent the overloading of the electrical system in the building. If the system becomes taxed, a circuit would be tripped, potentially creating a power outage for some of the buildings occupants.
PARTITIONS AND PANELING (Item # 19)
Partitions are prohibited because they may inhibit the flow of smoke from a fire to a smoke detector on the ceiling. Secondly, they reduce the egress path out of a room. Finally, they too, add fuel to any fire.
Paneling of any kind can be particularly hazardous. Some are made of toxic materials which if set ablaze can poison the air.
MOTORIZED VEHICLES (Item # 20)
Motor bikes, mopeds and motorcycles are not permitted in or near dormitories simply because of the fuel they carry.
OTHER HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS (Item # 21)
This regulation prohibits hazardous conditions not anticipated by specific reference in the rest of the policy. Even though an effort is made, it is not possible to anticipate every unsafe condition, which might appear in a dormitory room or suite. As conditions are identified, a new item is placed in the policy to cover it. That's one reason that some of the language in the policy changes almost every year. No one is ever fined for an unsafe condition that isn't specifically listed in the policy until it has been brought to the resident's attention and an opportunity has been provided to correct it.
If you've read the above and still do not understand the reasons behind the safety regulations enforced by the University, you are encouraged to contact the Housing Department inspection staff who work with these regulations and their enforcement. Their names appear at the beginning of the Residential Living Policies and Dining Services Guide and can also be found on the Housing Department web page at http://facilities.princeton.edu/Housing/. While we recognize that there will always be disagreement about the wisdom of our regulations, we hope to at least make sure that they have been clearly stated and thoroughly explained.