Fire and HAZMAT
Fire
If you detect a small fire (i.e., trash can fire) prior to an alarm sounding, it may be extinguished with one of the many wall-mounted fire extinguishers located in every building. The fire extinguishers may be used by pulling out the pin and squeezing the handle at the top of the extinguisher. Point the stream at the base of the flame source until it is completely extinguished.
If you discover a large fire, immediately pull the building fire alarm to notify the occupants and call the fire department! Place a second call to the Campus Public Safety at x555 to ensure that there will be staff available to assist in clearing the building.
If your first indication of a fire is from the alarm, quickly leave the building using the nearest exit. Keep calm and assist any handicapped individuals. Stay clear of any elevators. Use the stairwells! After exiting the building, remain clear of the building until receiving an "all clear" from Campus Public Safety and/or the Aurora Fire Department.
If you are in a residence hall, lock your door on the way out. Fire drills are conducted by Campus Public Safety at least once a semester.
It is a violation of the law not to evacuate the building during a fire drill.
*There is a $100 minimum fine for tampering with any fire alarm system or fire extinguishers.
Fire Safety
- In the event of a fire, explosion, or heavy smoke, locate and activate the nearest fire alarm.
- Call Campus Public Safety at 5-5-5 from a university phone or 9-1-1.
- Treat all fire alarms as if they were a real fire.
- Follow the posted evacuation route.
- Proceed to a safe distance away from the building upon evacuating.
- Do not return to the building until Campus Public Safety or the fire department give the “all-clear.”
Hazardous Materials Incidents (HAZMAT Incidents)
For any suspected HAZMAT incidents, the Aurora Fire Department should be called immediately for an assessment of the incident. Stay clear and upwind of the area! Officials who respond to damage-structure reports assume there are hazardous materials in all laboratories. If the structure is damaged, the laboratories must be checked by qualified personnel before allowing entry into the space.
Spills
The accidental spill of material considered hazardous must be handled by qualified personnel. First, the qualified personnel will seal off the area to prevent entry. If possible, they will shut off any sources of ignition at the source of the spill.
The spill must be contained to prevent the chemical from entering the drains or other uncontrolled areas.
Clean-up will be completed by the designated personnel with proper equipment and materials for the particular substance. Once the clean-up is completed, the substance and other materials will be disposed of according to EPA standards.
Transportation of hazardous material that is either highly flammable or suspected to be explosive shall be directed by the Aurora Police and/or Fire Department. Such transfer and/or transportation must be executed with life safety as the number one priority at all times.
Handling of Body Fluids/Waste
Do not handle body fluids with ungloved hands. Body fluids consist of blood, urine, feces, vomit, saliva, etc. If you need to clean up soiled items, surfaces, materials, and objects contaminated by body fluids, you must wear disposable protection (gloves, masks, etc.) Wherever possible, call the custodial staff at x5534 and advise them of the situation - they are trained and equipped to handle these items.
If you find body fluids, after notifying the custodians, use the following procedures to minimize possible contact:
- Cover the area with paper towels, newspapers, etc.
- Keep the area clear of other people until it has been properly cleaned.
- Wash any exposed skin that may have come into contact with the fluid thoroughly using soap and water.
Further questions should be directed to the Wellness Center at ext. 5434.