/Enterprise Risk Management
Environmental Health and Safety

HEALTHCARE FIRE SAFETY

 

Since the opening of the University Hospital at Stony Brook, no major fires have occurred. We like to attribute this fact to our highly trained and experienced Fire & Emergency Services team, who is on the job every day to ensure the safety of all patients, staff members and visitors. Fire & Emergency Services is responsible for all aspects of fire safety, from fire code compliance to emergency response.

For Fire/Smoke:

  • Call 911for a Code Red incident (fire and/or visible smoke)
  • Call 911 and activate fire alarm by pulling manual station
  • If you have any fire safety questions, contact Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) at 4-6783

  • Remove
  • Alarm
  • Confine
  • Extinguish or Evacuate

  • Pull pin (start from 6 feet back)
  • Aim at base of fire
  • Squeeze handle
  • Sweep side-to-side


  • Code red = fire/smoke
  • Emergency over = all clear

Details of the Fires Safety Program are found at EC0027 Fire Prevention (which is available on Policy Manager from ThePulse). Highlights include:

  • Toaster ovens are prohibited in all facilities except off-site Article 28 facilities, where they are not left unattended while in use.
  • Microwaves are not left unattended while in use.
  • Extension cords are not used as a substitute for fixed wiring in a building. Extension cords used temporarily are removed immediately upon completion of the intended purpose.
  • Staff utilizing a relocatable power tap ensure that they are used appropriately (for example: according to listing, not daisy chained, not tripping hazard, not overloaded, not through walls or ceilings, etc).
  • Chafing dish use with open flame, sterno chafing fuel, is only approved for use by Hospital Food Service.
  • Fire extinguishers, fire doors, exits, med gas shutoff valves, and fire alarm devices are never blocked or obstructed by any item.
  • No one, other than a Fire Safety Specialist may disable, or in any way tamper with, any fire protection system or device.
  • All fires are immediately reported, regardless of whether or not they have been extinguished.
  • Fire, smoke, and corridor doors are not chocked or blocked open, or in any way defeated, so they will not automatically close and latch.
  • Combustible materials are not stored in mechanical or electrical rooms.
  • Corridors are kept clear of any items for their full 8-foot-clear width unless the items are in use.
  • Combustible materials are not stored in the means of egress.
  • Storage or stock is kept a minimum of 18 inches from the ceiling, not obstructing sprinkler discharge.
  • Candles or any other type of open flame, unless approved by a fire safety specialist, are prohibited.
  • Smoking, vaping and electronic cigarettes are prohibited.
  • All upholstered furniture brought into the hospital is procured through official hospital procurement channels and meet flammability standards of the Life Safety Code.
  • Fire doors do not have any signage affixed to them unless approved by a Fire Safety Specialist.
  • Soiled linen or trash containers do not exceed 32 gallons unless stored in a specially constructed hazardous storage area.
  • Combustible waste, empty boxes and similar items are properly disposed of and are not allowed to accumulate in non-designated locations.
  • Portable space heating devices are prohibited.
  • Holiday decorations are prohibited unless they are flame retardant. Decorations do not hang from ceilings in such a way as to obstruct exit signage, fire protection devices, or otherwise be considered a hazard, as judged by the Fire Safety Specialist/Life Safety Officer. Live Christmas trees, tree branches, and other dry vegetation are not permitted. Artificial trees, wreaths and decorations are permitted only if they are factory certified as fire retardant. Fire and smoke doors are not decorated in any way. Electric lighting is not permitted in patient care rooms. In other areas, they are allowed if they are UL listed, not used with an extension cord.
  • Motorized bicycles, motorized scooters and other personal mobility devices powered by lithium ion or other storage batteries are prohibited (exceptions are made for motorized wheelchairs and other approved mobility devices for the use by people with disabilities). 
  • Fire drills are conducted quarterly on each shift on all Health Care and Ambulatory Health Care occupancies. Offsite Article 28 Business occupancy facilities, drills are conducted annually.
  • Fire extinguishers are inspected, tested and maintained by the EH&S Fire & Emergency Services team. Fire & Emergency Services is contacted any time an extinguisher is used or requires service. Fire extinguishers are not tampered with, moved, blocked, or otherwise made unusable for emergency purposes.

Please see EC0027 Fire Prevention for complete details (which is available on Policy Manager from ThePulse) or call EH&S at 4-6783.

 

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DIRECTOR OF HEALTHCARE SAFETY AND HOSPITAL SAFETY OFFICER

Barbara Boyle  |  (631) 444-6382  |  Barbara.Boyle@stonybrookmedicine.edu