Environment, Health and Safety Manual – Chapter 04.12: Fire Safety – Managing Fire Alarms

Environment, Health & Safety

Title

Environment, Health and Safety Manual – Chapter 04.12: Fire Safety – Managing Fire Alarms

Purpose

The Town of Chapel Hill Fire Department provides fire protection coverage for the University, and is aided by fire protection systems in place. This procedure identifies personnel authorized to manage alarms that are generated on campus.

Reset of Fire Alarm Systems

When fire alarm systems are in alarm status only the fire department is authorized to reset the alarm. Exceptions include:

  • University Fire Safety personnel will reset the alarm for fire evacuation drills only if prior notification is given to University Police, Orange Central Communications and Chapel Hill Fire Department Fire Prevention Division before and after the drill.
  • University Fire Safety personnel are authorized to reset the alarm if directed by the Chapel Hill Fire Department officer-in-charge.
  • During fire alarm tests, University Fire Safety personnel and Facilities Services- Fire Alarm Technicians are authorized to reset devices being tested when prior notification is given to University Police and Orange Central Communications.

Silence of Fire Alarm Systems

  • The Fire Safety Section is authorized to silence the audible alarms prior to a public assembly or a special event when notification is given to University Police and Orange Central Communications before and after the event. Environment, Health and Safety or Chapel Hill Fire Department personnel will remain at the panel during the event with radio communications.
  • Specific Health Care Buildings can silence the alarm in accordance with their building evacuation plan if approved by the University Fire Marshal and Chapel Hill Fire Department. The University Fire Marshal will coordinate fire emergency procedures with the fire department, if the fire alarm panel can be silenced.

Building Receiving Two Alarms Within 24 Hours

If a building receives two fire alarms for the same fire detection device during a 24-hour period the Facilities Services Fire Alarm Technician on 24-hour emergency call will be contacted for immediate response to determine cause and correct problem. When fire department officer-in-charge determines a system malfunction exist (two alarms from the same device during a 24 hour period) the officer should isolate the device by deactivating zone card or acknowledge fire zone in alarm status and silence trouble status at the fire control panel.

Fire Protection Systems Place Out of Service

Any fire protection or fire detection system placed out-of-service needs prior approval by the University Fire Marshal. Chapel Hill Fire Department, University Public Safety, and the State Property Insurance Underwriters will be notified by the University Fire Marshal prior to equipment being taken out of service and when placed back in service.

Personnel Authorized to Conduct Fire Evacuation Drills

University Fire Safety and Chapel Hill Fire Department personnel are the only personnel authorized to conduct fire evacuation drills on campus. Prior notification will be given to University Police, Orange Central Communications, and Chapel Hill Fire Department Fire Prevention Division before and after the drill.

Contact Information

Policy Contact

Environment, Health and Safety
1120 Estes Drive
Campus Box #1650
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-1650
Phone: 919-962-5507

Back to Chapter 04.11 – Obtaining Approval of the Use of Pyrotechnics

Proceed to Chapter 04.13 – Life Safety: Electrical Equipment

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