Skip to main content

Fire Safety

1. PURPOSE

This policy has been developed to help manage the risks associated with fire as a means to help protect the safety of Brigham Young University–Hawaii (“BYU–Hawaii” or “university”) faculty, staff, students, visitors, and campus infrastructure.

2. POLICY

The university is committed to creating a campus environment that is safe and that adheres to all federal campus safety laws. This policy is adopted in compliance with 20 U.S.C. § 1092(i). BYU–Hawaii complies with applicable fire and building safety laws.

3. IMPLEMENTATION

3.1 Definitions

3.1.1 Fire Safety laws

Includes but is not limited to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration regulations, State of Hawaii Fire Code, BYU–Hawaii's Fire Prevention Procedures, and the National Fire Code.

3.1.2 Maintenance hot work areas

Includes but is not limited to cutting and welding with torches. Hot work being performed outside of designated areas must obtain a "Hot Work Permit" before performing the following: brazing, cutting, grinding, soldering, welding, the use of propane heaters, or the use of any pyrotechnic device (see university's Fire Prevention/Protection Program for details).

3.1.3 Open flame devices

Includes but is not limited to candles, incense, wax warmers, fireworks, barbecue grills, torches, and other incendiary devices.

3.1.4 University building

Includes but is not limited to classrooms, laboratories, dormitories, married student housing, etc.

3. 2 Responsibilities

3.2.1 University Safety Officer

Under the direction of the Campus Safety & Security director, the university safety officer shall implement the university’s Fire Prevention/Protection Program including the following:

  • Scheduling and coordinating required surveys and inspections.
  • Managing the fire drill plan.
  • Managing the fire alarm and fire suppression testing plan.
  • Fire safety training.
  • Managing the hot work program.
  • Monitoring implementation of recommended improvements to the university's Fire Prevention/Protection Program.

3.2.2 Campus University Safety Officer

Campus Safety & Security shall prepare and maintain a Fire Prevention/Protection Program that defines and documents the university’s fire safety program, including compliance with federal and state fire safety regulations.

3.2.3 Facilities Management

Facilities Management shall coordinate with Campus Safety & Security to ensure fire safety alert and suppression systems are properly installed as required by applicable building and fire codes and are maintained and tested as required.

3.2.4 Building Coordinators

Individuals designated as fire safety officers for selected facilities shall

  • Obtain the necessary training regarding their responsibilities;
  • Develop an individual fire safety plan for their facility;
  • Ensure the facility has the required evacuation plans and notices; and,
  • Ensure employees in the facility understand their responsibilities in the event of an evacuation.

3.2.5 All Faculty, staff, and students

All faculty, staff, and students are responsible to understand and act on the following:

  • Know what action to take in the event of discovering a fire; 
  • Upon hearing a fire alarm, evacuate the building by the nearest emergency exit; 
  • Comply with all fire safety instructions provided by the university and its officers; and, 
  • Not tamper with any fire safety equipment provided by the university. 

3.3 Prohibitions

Open flames and flammable liquids are not permitted in BYU–Hawaii hales, Temple View Apartments, on-campus faculty housing, or open spaces except for designated food preparation areas, science laboratories, ceramics studio, and designated maintenance hot work areas. Campus Safety & Security must approve any temporary deviation from the fire codes.

The possession or use of fireworks, sky lanterns, pyrotechnic special effects, or blank shots is strictly prohibited on university property except as authorized by Campus Safety & Security.

3.4 Fire Safety Education and Training Programs

The university offers fire safety education and training programs to all students living in on-campus housing.

3.5 Procedures to Follow in Case of a Fire

In the event fire or smoke has been detected:

  1. Pull fire alarm and notify Campus Safety (808) 675-3911.
  2. Call 911 for fire department.
  3. Shut doors, close windows.
  4. Evacuate to at least 300 feet from the fire.
  5. Public Safety will ensure evacuation of BYU–Hawaii or PCC, whichever is experiencing hazardous material exposure.
  6. Campus Safety will ensure that the building has been evacuated.
  7. Do not re-enter building(s) until declared safe by emergency services personnel.
  8. Campus Safety will notify employees, customers, students, and staff of termination of emergency.

Hale residents are to go to the Hale Pavilion as an assembly point. TVA’s assembly point is the front field Kahuku (west) side of main entrance.

4. RELATED POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Details

Policy Owner: Campus Safety & Security Director

Executive Sponsor: Operations Vice President

Created: 10/15/2010

Last Modified: 09/26/2024
Last Reviewed: 08/13/2024
Next Review: 08/13/2026

Full revision history maintained by Office of Compliance & Ethics