Cornell University Department of Environmental Health and Safety

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Cornell University Department of Environmental
Health and Safety

• Fire Safety Inspections at Cornell University by
  The New York State Office of Fire
• Prevention and Control and
• The Ithaca Fire Department
• Michael Vitucci, EHS 2007
• mv15_at_cornell.edu
• www.ehs.cornell.edu

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History

• SUNY Fire Inspections
• Conducted since 1969 as a result of a multi-fatal
  dorm fire at Cornell University in 1967
• Seton Hall multi-fatal dorm fire of 2000 led to
  NYS Governors Task Force on Campus Fire Safety

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Results of the Task Force

• Campus fire safety advisory board
• Enhanced fire safety training
• Annual inspection of all educational buildings in
  NYS
• Enhanced detection/alarms in dorms
• Install sprinklers in dorms during rehab

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New Codes

• Fire
• Building
• Property Maintenance
• Mechanical
• Plumbing
• Residential

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Impact to Cornell

• Yearly inspections of all Cornell Buildings that
  support the educational/research effort.
  Including classrooms, laboratories, physical
  education and dining.
• All CU Dorms and University Greek Life
• Endowed and SUNY

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• Impact to Cornell
• Fire Safety Consultants
• Major events
• Fire safety training/education
• Fire detection/suppression
• Evacuation drills
• Elevator inspection
• Emergency power and lighting
• Kitchen Fire Suppression
• Fireplace Inspections

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Inspection Process

• Coordinated yearly through EHS including
• IFD, Maintenance Management,
  Departmental/College representative, OFPC and EHS
• Occurs while college is in session
• Reports filed with College, local FD and State
  Education
• Registered Mail to Office of the President

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Violation Categories
Other 18
Fire Protection 28
Electrical 15
Behavioral 39
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Inspection Metrics

• 2006
• 18 million square feet (/- a few feet)
• 798 buildings or structures
• 962 violations
• Over 1700 inspections (including 1st, 2nd
  reinspections and final)
• 10 requests for extensions
• 5 fines (14K)
• 100 compliance

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Assessment of Penalty
Report of Violation
Order to Comply
Re-Established Abatement Dates
Abatement Dates
1- 30 days
Penalty Retro to Ordered Abatement Dates
1st Re-Insp
2nd Re-Insp
Initial Insp
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Most Frequently Cited Violations

• 217 - Extension cords in permanent applications
• 77 - Electrical Hazards
• 65 - Cords into cords (piggy back)
• 48 - Fire doors not latching
• 37 - Open junction boxes

• 34 - Gas cylinders unsecured
• 32 - Storage/clutter
• 31 - Egress impeded
• 31 - Fire doors propped
• 31- Exit signs

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1 Violation- Extension Cords

• Temporary Use Only

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2 Violation Extension cord into a Power Strip

• Shortcut to IMG_0084.JPG

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Typical Violations - Egress
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Fire Detection
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Storage blocked sprinklers
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Electric Panels Open
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Exit signage broken or missing
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Sprinkler Coverage
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Emergency Equipment
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Open junction box
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Blocked Exits
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Clutter, combustion potential

• OFPC Inspections\Snyder Hill\2-26-03
  pictures\Snyder Hill0025.jpg

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Fire Extinguisher
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Egress Blocked - Impeded
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Fire Doors
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Ceiling Tiles
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If abatement does not occur..
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New for 2008

• Creation of a Steering Committee
• joint oversight and ownership
• Increased College/Unit role
• EHS training program -online
• EHS maintains program oversight and scheduling
• Data base creation

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Summary

• Reduces risk
• Increases level of safety
• Shared ownership/responsibility
• Compliance with IFD/OFPC
• Developing a great record
• Regulatory compliance
• Increased safety and awareness

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In Conclusion

• Cornell EHS facilitates fire safety inspections
  annually in cooperation with NYS OFPC, IFD.
  Cornell Facilities and Colleges and Departments.
• Our role is to lead the University to create a
  safe and healthful living, working and learning
  environment.
• Thank You