NC STATE Home Page NC STATE UNIVERSITY - Environmental Health and Safety 2620 Wolf Village Way Cmpus Box 8007, Raleigh NC 27695  Phone 919.515.7915 FAX 919.515.6307 NC STATE Home Page

Fire & Life Safety
Fequently Asked Questions

Fire & Life Safety Home

How do I obtain a Hot Work permit?

Hot work permits are required for any welding, cutting, torching, and other related activities. They can be obtained from Fire Protection during normal working hours. Arrangements can be made for emergencies and for jobs needing to be completed during the weekend. Call 515-2568 or 515-3000 for more details. For more information, see Fire Protection Hot Work Program

http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/finance/facilities/pdf/Discfrm01.doc

Where do I get a Fire Alarm disconnect from?

Fire alarm disconnects need to be coordinated through either Construction Management (5-6380) or Electronics (5-2991).

http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/finance/facilities/REG07.25.6.php

Who are the persons that inspect dorms?

Housing requires that all dorms be inspected once a semester to ensure compliance with the University safety policy.  The program is run by Fire Protection but managed by Housing. If you have concerns or questions, please direct them to University Housing at 515-3822.

Do all buildings have fire alarms?

NC State law requires campus buildings to have fire alarms. All administrative and residential buildings at State are equipped with fire alarms.

Do all buildings have sprinkler systems?

Some older buildings have been retro fitted with systems, but at present not every building has a sprinkler system.  All occupied residence halls are equipped with sprinkler systems.  University apartments are in the process of getting systems.

When are fire drills scheduled?

NC State law requires that all buildings with fire alarm systems must have scheduled fire drills. Letters are sent to building liaisons notifying them of upcoming drills.  A schedule copy can be obtained from Fire Protection.

How often are buildings inspected?

All campus buildings are inspected once a year by NCSU Fire Protection. In addition, the NC Department of Insurance and a private insurance carrier also inspect the campus. Buildings are inspected according to the NC Fire Code and National Fire Protection Codes.

My office is cold. Can I have a portable heater?

According to NC State Law, portable heaters cannot be placed in State owned buildings as they pose a threat to safety. The only exception to this law is when the building’s main source of heat is inoperative. It is possible to have a heat study completed to determine if the building heating system is adequate. Building Operations can be contacted at 515-2181.

If I see a fire, can I use a fire extinguisher?

Pull the fire alarm first!!! According to NC Occupational Safety and Health Administration, persons must receive training prior to utilizing fire extinguishers. If you are not trained, contact your manager. Training classes are available from Fire Protection at 515-2568.

Why does the fire alarm always go off?

Fire alarms activate because a smoke or heat detector has been tripped or a pull station has been pulled. Ways to prevent accidental activation include:

  • Do not smoke or perform work that generates smoke near detectors
  • When cooking, do not allow food to burn or overcook
  • Obtain a fire alarm disconnect when work may cause an alarm
  • Take care with any operation which may generate steam or dust
  • NEVER tamper with fire protection systems

Can I store my bike or other materials in the stairwell and hallway?

 No.  By code all egress pathways out of a building must remain free and clear of obstructions.  Store supplies in designated areas and bikes in the racks provided.