SY09 Fire Extinguisher Provisions

Contents:

• Purpose
• General Requirements
• Specific Requirements
• Further Information

PURPOSE:

To specify procedures for providing fire extinguisher protection for specific occupancy hazards.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The University will purchase and install the required hand-portable fire extinguishers necessary for protection purposes within each building in accordance with the requirements of the Pennsylvania Statewide Building Code generally known as the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) and the currently adopted edition of the International Building Code and OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.157 Portable Fire Extinguishers.

Departments, Colleges, and Non-University Park locations will be responsible for purchasing the required fire extinguisher protection for specific hazards introduced into the occupancy of the building. Examples would be quantities of flammable liquids, specific electrical equipment, special research apparatus, excessive storage of paper, wood, textiles, etc.

Fire Classifications.

• Class A - Fires involving ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, textiles)
• Class B - Fires involving flammable liquids and gases.
• Class C - Fires involving all electrical equipment.
• Class D - Fires involving combustible metals (potassium, sodium, magnesium, etc.).
• Class K – Fires in cooking appliances that involve cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats).

Fire Extinguishers.

Following is a listing of the basic types of hand-portable fire extinguishers which are designed for the above classes:

• Class A - Pressurized Water (anti-freeze available). Also, A-B-C Dry Chemical - 5, 10, and 20 lb. sizes.
• Class B - Dry Chemical, Carbon Dioxide - 5, 10, and 15 lb. sizes.
• Class C - Dry Chemical, Carbon Dioxide - 5, 10, 15, and 20 lb. sizes.
• Class D - Dry Powder (specific design and chemical) - 30 lb. size.
• Class K – Wet Chemical

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

The sizes and types of fire extinguishers are generally available through  Physical Plant Stores. Departments may purchase the number desired by submitting a Work Order.

For buildings and equipment located at University Park, the Office of Physical Plant will charge the fire extinguishers as required and then properly mount them at the designated locations. In addition, they will include the extinguishers on the preventive maintenance schedule for required inspection and hydrostatic testing.

For buildings and equipment located at non-University Park locations, or Field Research Stations not included under the previous paragraph, the maintenance personnel at these facilities mount them properly, and include them on the preventive maintenance schedule for inspection and hydrostatic testing.

Any questions concerning the quantity and/or types of fire protection required should be directed to the University Environmental Health and Safety Office, University Park, Pennsylvania - 16801 Telephone (814) 865-6391.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

For questions, additional detail, or to request changes to this policy, please contact the Director of Environmental Health and Safety.

Most Recent Changes:

• January 11, 2023 - Policy review and update to Policy Steward.

Revision History (and effective dates):

• March 24, 2017 - Edits to SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS section, first paragraph to eliminate reference to General Requisition Form “GREQ,” replacing with Physical Plant Stores, and specifying the associated hyperlink.
• June 12, 2014 - Editorial changes. Updated GENERAL REQUIREMENTS section to reflect accurate fire extinguisher code, addition of Class K fire classification, and fire extinguisher types/classes. Minor edits to the SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS section.
• February 27, 2014 - Editorial changes. Addition of policy steward information, in the event that there are questions or requests for changes to the policy.
• June 14, 2006 - Revision History added.
• May 6, 2005 - Editorial changes to eliminate "General Forms Usage Guide" reference (General Stores Requisition Invoice, Form G2.2 replaced by IBIS "GREQ") and to correct links.
• March 15, 1993 - Multiple revisions made to GENERAL REQUIREMENTS and SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS.
• March 22, 1976 - Added Commonwealth Campus reference to GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.