11.11 - Fire Extinguishers

Last updated on April 25, 2023

POLICY: Per Spoon River College’s Crisis Procedure Manual, upon the sounding of a fire alarm, all occupants in a Spoon River College building where alarm is activated must immediately evacuate.  Individuals may operate fire extinguishers at their own risk and only in the case of a small fire that can be contained.

SCOPE:

This policy applies to all Spoon River College employees and students.

DETAILS:

1. General Requirements:
   1. The College provides portable fire extinguishers which are mounted, located and identified so that they are readily accessible without subjecting the operator to possible injury.
   2. Only approved portable fire extinguishers are used.
   3. The College will assure that portable fire extinguishers are maintained in a fully charged and operable condition and kept in their designated places at all times except during use.
2. Inspection, Maintenance and Testing:
   1. The College is responsible for the inspection, maintenance and testing of all portable fire extinguishers in the workplace including an annual maintenance check by a qualified individual or organization.
   2. The College will assure that stored pressure dry chemical extinguishers that require a 12-year hydrostatic test are emptied and subjected to applicable maintenance procedures every 6 years by a qualified outside contractor. Dry chemical extinguishers having non-refillable disposable containers are exempt from requirement.  When recharging or hydrostatic testing is performed, the 6-year requirement begins from that date.
   3. An alternate equivalent is provided when portable fire extinguishers are removed from service for maintenance and recharging.
3. Training: The College provides fire prevention and safety training to all full time and regularly scheduled part time employees.  Employees may also participate in fire extinguisher training upon request.