Fire Protection Services wants to provide and maintain a safe work environment for the employees of IUPUI that is free from risk of fire. This includes conformance with applicable fire safety codes and standards. To the extent that fire hazards are identified within University workspaces, prompt action will be initiated to eliminate or mitigate these hazards.

Employees must also play a role in minimizing the fire hazards within their workspace. It is important that each employee of the University do their part in eliminating the dangers or conforming with the guidelines below, whenever possible.

• Portable heaters - are discouraged but if used, should be UL approved and have an automatic shut off if tipped over. They should only be used when the area is occupied, and the unit should be unplugged when not in use.
• Open flames - candles and incense are not appropriate for the office under nearly all conditions. An open flame is only allowed when the space is occupied. Check with Fire Protection Services prior to the use of open flame.
• Electrical equipment - should be inspected regularly for frayed or cracked cords, sockets, and plugs. Do not run cords under carpet or rugs. Only approved electrical appliances and "power strips" should be used. Appointing a specific person to turn off appliances at the end of the day is a good practice.
• Combustible materials - such as paper products, food items, plastics, upholstered furniture, or rugs should be continually organized and periodic "housecleaning" should be performed to avoid accumulation.
• Emergency exits - should remain free of office furniture and stored items to allow for easy access.
• Smoking - is permitted only in designated smoking areas and is not permitted on loading docks or in garages due to the possibility of ignition of hazardous vapors. Obey "NO SMOKING" signs. Smokers shall use designated receptacles for ashes and butts. This will prevent mulch, leaves, and/or trash from catching fire.
• Automatic sprinkler systems - shall have a minimum clearance of 2 feet below ceilings or 18 inches below the sprinkler head when furnishing an office, especially in file rooms and areas containing shelving
• Jammed copy machines - should be fixed promptly. Jammed paper may catch fire. Copier drums must be cooled, before being cleaned with an approved solvent.

For the Holiday Season, employees should follow the following guidelines for displays and decorations:

• Decorations and displays within assigned space shall conform to the general use of space as appropriate. Where large groups of persons are expected to view displays, adequate provisions shall be made for emergency egress.
• Decorations and displays shall not involve lighted candles or other open flame or high heat producing devices.
• Except as noted below, all decorations and displays in corridors, lobbies, or other public spaces and in cafeterias, auditoriums, or other places of assembly shall be constructed of noncombustible or flame-retardant materials and kept completely free and clear of any exit or access to an exit
• Limited amounts of combustible or flammable materials shall be permitted for small displays or for elements in larger size displays where such material does not present concerns for the occurrence or spread of a fire.
• Traditional holiday decorations on office doors may contain limited amounts of combustible or flammable materials.
• Noncombustible artificial Christmas trees are permitted in any size provided they do not interfere with any exit or access to an exit.
• Natural Christmas trees less than 4 feet in height may be brought into the building for not more than two weeks provided they stand in water and do not interfere with any exit or access to an exit.