TO: Campus community
FR: J. Dana Twedell, AVP of Facilities Management
Sonoma State University campus facilities are inspected by a California State Fire Marshal, annually. These inspections may be coordinated with Facilities Management and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), and they can also occur at any time, without notice.
The recent California State Fire Marshal inspections found several electrical use violations that can be remedied by compliance to the rules below:
- Portable Space Heaters: Portable space heaters are NOT permitted on campus, unless approved by Facilities Management. If the temperature controls in your office need adjustment, please contact Facilities Management.
- Extension Cords: Extension cords should only be utilized for temporary needs. Contact Facilities Management if you have operational need for additional electrical outlets.
- Overloaded Circuits: Overloaded outlets could result in a potential fire and/or safety hazard. Refrigerators, toasters, toaster ovens, coffee makers, and microwaves should NOT all be on the same electrical circuit.
- Plug/Power Strips: Power strips, such as those used for computers, should be plugged directly into an electrical outlet, not into an extension cord, or into another plug strip (commonly referred to as “daisy chaining”). If there is a need for additional electrical outlets please contact Facilities Management.
- Damaged Cords: Any electrical cords that are worn, frayed, abraded, corroded, or otherwise damaged must be replaced. Please issue a work order to Facilities Management if you see a damaged cord(s).
- Electrical Panels: Electrical panels must be clear of obstructions, including stored items, boxes, and/or furniture. All electrical panels must maintain a minimum 3 feet of clearance.
Additionally, here are a few additional safety guidelines:
- Unplugging equipment: When you need to unplug a piece of equipment, grasp the cord plug to remove it from the outlet. Never unplug the item by pulling the cord.
- Electrical safety: Avoid touching an electrical appliance and a plumbing fixture at the same time. Electrical appliances should not be stored directly adjacent to sinks or other plumbing fixtures.
- UL ratings / Facilities Management Approval: All electrical equipment on campus should be UL rated or have Facilities Management approval.
- Tripping hazards: Walkways should be kept clear of electrical cabling. Cords can become tripping hazards, or become damaged by repeated foot traffic. If you need assistance with cord management, please contact Facilities Management. Do not run electrical cords under mats, carpet or rugs.
- Wet conditions: Never use electrical equipment in wet areas or run cords across wet floors.
- Proper training: Only properly trained employees should work on electrical equipment.
Over the next several weeks Facilities Management will be correcting building conditions from our recent inspection. Depending on your campus/building location, we may need to ask for your involvement. This aside, the guidelines listed above, should be maintained at all times. As previously stated, a State Fire Marshal or campus inspection can occur at any time, and these are safety guidelines that should be observed in all campus facilities at all times.
We thank you for your attention in these important safety issues. Please contact Facilities Management at (707) 664-2317 or by email at fmwo@sonoma.edu, should you have any questions, or need any building related maintenance services.