Resources

Fire Safety: Code Red

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Staff Duties
  • Fire Emergency
  • Fire Alert
  • Fire Warning
• Evacuation
• Training
• Storage in Sprinklered Locations

CODE RED

When a fire is reported or when the automatic fire alarm system is activated a Code Red will be called. In some buildings the alarm will sound for 30 seconds after which the strobe lights will continue flashing until the "All Clear" has been sounded. In other buildings the alarms will continue to ring until the "All Clear" has been sounded. Where possible, the Code Red will be paged overhead. The information announced will include the words "Code Red", the building name, and the room or area location.

STAFF DUTIES

Fire Emergency

A fire emergency exists if a fire is suspected or discovered. Remember RACCEE. The following steps must be taken:

• Remove those in immediate danger. Close door to room where fire is located.
• Activate fire alarm.
• Call 911 and report the following information:
• Your name
• Code Red
• Building name
• Floor
• Room number if known
• Phone number you call from
  
  • Close all doors and windows in the surrounding areas. Shut off oxygen valves after patients requiring oxygen have been transferred to portable oxygen tanks. The person in charge is responsible for assuring that patients requiring oxygen have been transferred to portable oxygen prior to authorizing the oxygen valve shut off.
  • Extinguish the fire if possible.
  • Evacuate if imminent harm is present such as the presence of smoke or the presence of a fire that is spreading rapidly. Otherwise, you will be informed if an evacuation is needed.

Be alert for further instructions. Remain calm.

Fire Alert

A Fire Alert exists if you hear or note that a fire alarm has been activated. Take the following actions:

• Listen to overhead page (if available) for location of fire.
• Notify your Departmental Fire Safety Representative to prepare for action.
• Be calm and alert.
• Await further instructions from the Code Red Response Team.
• Prepare to receive patients and/or personnel that have been evacuated from fire location (if applicable).

The Code Red Team members are issued orange I.D. badges that are displayed during the response. Some of the responsibilities of the Code Red Team include:

Assist with patient evacuation if needed. Locate and provide gurnies and wheelchairs.

Provide additional fire extinguishers or other materials to assist with extinguishing a small fire.

Provide traffic (vehicular and personnel) control.

Direct the responding fire department personnel to the fire location.

Fire Warning

A Fire Warning exists when actions are required in areas adjacent to the fire emergency. In the event of a fire, take the following actions:

Take action as directed by the Code Red Response Team in area of fire or nearby location.

Stay out of evacuated area until "All Clear" is given.

Await further instructions. Remember, the fire alarm strobe lights will continue to flash or the alarm will continue to sound until the "All Clear" is sounded.

EVACUATION

Full-scale evacuation procedures are not normally required during a fire emergency. Evacuate if imminent harm is present such as the presence of smoke or the presence of a fire that is spreading rapidly. If evacuation is required, you will be informed by Code Red Team representatives who will come to your location and announce the need to evacuate.

Be knowledgeable about exit routes in your area so that evacuations can be conducted promptly and calmly. Know both main and alternate routes.

TRAINING/DRILL

All employees are required to participate in fire safety education and training at least annually (or more frequently per departmental requirements). This training is conducted on a departmental/unit level. A Fire Safety Representative has been designated for your department/unit. This person is responsible for:

Conducting education and training sessions for all departmental/unit personnel.

Conducting fire drills or other appropriate response actions.

Encouraging personnel to observe and monitor the work area for unsafe conditions related to fire safety.

Documenting personnel participation in fire safety training/drill.

Remember, you are an important part of the Medical Center's overall fire safety plan. Your knowledge of the institutional fire safety plan will be instrumental in providing a safe and healthy environment for yourself, fellow employees, patients, and visitors.

Fires will happen. If we respond appropriately to a fire while it is still small, we will hopefully never have to face the disastrous consequences of a fire becoming uncontrollable.

STORAGE IN SPRINKLERED BUILDINGS/AREAS

All storage in sprinklered buildings or areas must be kept a minimum of 18 inches below the ceiling.

Prepared by: University of Kansas Medical Center Environment, Health and Safety Office.
If you have comments or suggestions please call 8-1081

Office of Compliance