Policies and Procedures
The statements made and requirements listed on this website apply only to the buildings, projects and activities at the University of Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder. Please contact your local authority having jurisdiction for code requirements for buildings, projects and activities which are not affiliated with the University of Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder.
Smoking is prohibited on all university-owned and operated campus grounds both indoors and outdoors. According to Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ State Law, a smoking violation has a minimum $200 fine. Additionally, consequences can be much more severe if your actions contribute to a fire.
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More information on the Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Clean Air Act (Smoking Ban) can be found at
The following documents illustrate the code requirements, hazards and fire/fatality statistics associated with use of candles. FLS normally allows the use of candles in theatrical performances and some ceremonies when subjected to full compliance of the requirements and applicable codes and the continuous presence of firewatchers. However, based on these documents and the potential fire risk for the building occupants and the building, FLS requests that candles not be used inside campus buildings. FLS requests that other means, e.g., an air freshener, be used to accomplish the desired effect. Please review the following documents and contact FLS if you wish to discuss any potential alternatives.
Portable heaters are to be used only when the central heating system is malfunctioning and/or a comfortable temperature cannot be maintained, and only after written approval by the Campus Fire Marshal.
Portable Heaters - Policies & Procedures
Procede with the following steps to get using a portable heater approved:
1. Submit a service request at the location; indicate your location and concern (i.e. too cold at start of day). The shops can come take a look and make sure that the systems are working the best they can. If there is a problem that can be fixed without needing space heaters, it would be best to address the concern this way first.
2. The electrical systems, in most cases, are not designed to handle the additional loads. Performing electrical load calculations allows for an approved portable heater to be selected. Select a UL Listed portable heater. Submit the electrical load calculations, portable heater model, and description of portable heater placement to the Campus Fire Marshal at Zachary.Niehues@colorado.edu
Coffee makers, toasters, and other small, heat-producing appliances used without safety precautions constitute a considerable ignition and fire risk. However, by following the guidelines listed in this document, this danger can be significantly reduced.
This document is limited to general procedures. For specific projects, design team needs to tailor and establish "project-specific" procedures and requirements. Design team may use this web page as a guideline after they independently verify its contents and the applicability of the issues listed.Â
For more information on fire watch procedures refer to the Division of Fire Safety (DFS) fire watch requirements:
Labels identifying fire doors and instructing occupants to keep the doors shut at all times are to be placed on fire-rated doors that can be blocked open in violation of codes. The following document explains the general locations where fire-rated doors are required based on the 2009 edition of the International Building Code (IBC) and the 2009 edition of the Life Safety Code (NFPA-101). Items are listed as a checklist for applying the labels. Please note the conditions for which labels are not needed.Â
The following summarizes FLS' review of the applicable code sections, existing conditions, and corrective actions that need to be taken to improve laboratory occupant safety. Please note that this document was prepared to list some but not all of the requirements based on the latest editions of adopted codes in 2011.Â
Laboratory Safety - Requirements
Laboratory Safety - Do's & Don'ts