Fire & Life

Preventable fire alarm initiative

November 22, 2019

Updated 12/23/21

Seattle Fire Department’s (SFD) Fire Prevention Division launched a initiative in 2020 to avoid “false” or “preventable” alarms. For this reason, the City of Seattle is introducing citations of $373 or greater beginning January 1, 2020 for preventable alarms. As a result of this initiative, the availability of fire department resources to respond to true emergencies is expected to improve.

Preventable alarms include:

Fire Extinguisher Use

Read the focus sheet for information about safely using a fire extinguisher.

Space Heaters and Other Temporary Portable Heaters

In the event a heating system fails, or there is inadequate heat to an area, every effort should be made to correct the problem with building heating before using temporary or portable heat sources. Portable heaters are strongly discouraged due to energy and fire safety issues, but can be allowed in some instances provided the requirements are met.

Heating Devices Focus Sheet

Many labs and shops use at least one type of heating device, such as ovens, hot plates, heating mantles and tapes, and oil baths. Heating materials, especially chemicals, present a number of fire and safety hazards. Download the focus sheet and follow the recommendations when using heating devices.

Do not block campus fire lanes

July 20, 2018

When 9-1-1 is called on the UW Seattle campus, UW Police and Seattle Fire Department emergency vehicles will use designated fire lanes to get to the scene of the emergency quickly. It is critical that campus fire lanes are kept clear at all times to avoid emergency responders losing time getting to someone who needs help.

Liquid Nitrogen and Alarms in University Research Space

This report is intended to provide guidance on identifying and evaluating potential risks related to storage of liquid nitrogen in laboratory space, and how to best mitigate those risks at the University of Washington. This paper provides an analysis of the available literature on the subject, example calculations of risk, and suggestions of best practices to detect an unsafe environment from liquid nitrogen and other cryogenic material spills and releases in rooms and spaces.

UW Emergency Response and Planning Map

Users can access this resource at www.ehs.washington.edu/secure/er_map. UWNetID login is required.

UW Emergency Responders Map

The UW Emergency Responders Map shows fire lanes, designated response points, hydrants, and fire department connections. EH&S maintains this map to assist the Seattle Fire Department to coordinate their response with UW Police and support personnel.

A UWNetID is required to access the map.

Safety and Program Manuals

All University personnel and students are required to follow the guidance provided in the University’s safety manuals and program manuals that are applicable to hazards in their work area and/or associated with a specific job task.

The safety and program manuals listed below were prepared in accordance with federal, state and local regulations and policies.

Click on the title to access each manual.

Stay safe when using lithium batteries

April 24, 2018

Lithium batteries have become the industry standard rechargeable storage device. They are common to University operations and used in many research applications. Lithium-ion battery fires and accidents are on the rise; however, the risk can be mitigated.

EH&S recommends faculty, staff and students take precautions to help prevent fire, injury and loss of intellectual and other property. The following best practices may help reduce the possibility of a reaction, fire or explosion when handling, charging, storing or disposing of lithium-ion batteries: