6.05.01 Purpose

6.05.02 Scope

6.05.03 Policy

6.05.04 Objectives

6.05.05 Responsibilities

6.05.06 Requirements

Appendix A - Installation and Use of Employee-Owned Electrical Appliances

Appendix B - Excess Property and Hallway Storage
 
 

6.05.01
PURPOSE
This subchapter states Department of Commerce policy and describes internal NIST procedures for a comprehensive fire prevention and protection program. The emergency medical service program is also described.
 
 

6.05.02
SCOPE
The fire prevention and protection program applies to all NIST activities and operations at both the Gaithersburg and Boulder sites. Some portions of the emergency medical care program apply only to Gaithersburg.
 
 

6.05.03
POLICY
It is the policy of the Department of Commerce and the National Institute of Standards and Technology to provide an effective fire prevention and protection program to reduce loss of life and property from fire and also to provide high quality emergency medical care.
 
 

6.05.04
OBJECTIVES
a. The establishment and maintenance of an effective fire prevention and protection program.
 
 

b. Rapid response to all emergency medical calls with qualified and certified Emergency Medical Technicians.
 
 

6.05.05
RESPONSIBILITIES
a. Each staff member is responsible for ensuring that all activities are conducted in a manner to eliminate the possibility of accidental fire.
 
 

b. Division chiefs and group leaders are responsible for ensuring that the requirements of Appendix A and Appendix B are followed.

c. At Gaithersburg, the Fire Protection Group, Facilities Services Division, is responsible for:
 
 

(1) Reducing or eliminating lost production time and resources by identification and correction/control of potential fire hazard conditions;
 
 

(2) Developing and maintaining fire prevention regulations and disseminating this information by regular or special bulletins or through the implementation of a fire safety education program;
 
 

(3) Testing fire alarm, detection, and suppression systems;
 
 

(4) Issuing work permits for activities having high accidental fire potential and permits for employee-owned appliances;
 
 

(5) Inspecting and testing fire hydrants and fire protection water supply systems;
 
 

(6) Providing consultation with NIST managers and staff in matters regarding fire safety;
 
 

(7) Providing portable hand-held fire extinguisher training and conducting evacuation drills;
 
 

(8) Establishing fire safety policies, procedures, and requirements based on the National Fire Protection Association fire codes, local codes and regulations, and Federal and DoC regulations;
 
 

(9) Responding to all emergency calls regarding fire, first aid/ambulance, and chemical spills and odors;
 
 

(10) Providing atmospheric testing for confined space entries. (At Boulder, testing is available through the MASC Safety Office);
 
 

(11) Reducing or eliminating temporary storage in hallways, etc., which could be potentially hazardous in the event of an emergency;
 
 

(12) Evaluating requests for temporary storage in hallways or other areas which may impede employees from evacuating during emergencies and making recommendations to ensure maximum safety for employees and fire suppression personnel;
 
 

(13) Providing fire service personnel at Gaithersburg certified as Emergency Medical Technicians-A as prescribed by the State of Maryland;
 
 

(14) Complying with fire codes;
 
 

(15) Suggesting improvements for detection systems and suppression materials; and
 
 

(16) Maintaining a Fire Protection Group data base to be used during emergencies.
 
 

c. The Leader, Fire Protection Group (at Boulder, the MASC Fire Marshal) has the responsibility for ensuring that the fire prevention and protection and the emergency medical care programs function effectively. They are responsible for:
 
 

(1) Developing, implementing, and monitoring the fire prevention and protection and the emergency medical care program;
 
 

(2) Reviewing and evaluating the effectiveness of the program and making changes where required to negate new or unique potential fire hazards;
 
 

(3) Utilizing staff resources, supplies, and equipment to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness;
 
 

(4) Promoting the concepts of fire safety and prevention and developing educational techniques for the dissemination of fire safety information;
 
 

(5) Providing liaison with the NIST Safety Office and local fire protection services; and
 
 

(6) Cooperating with local fire protection services to develop and maintain fire plans for effective response to emergencies.