Department of Environmental Health and Safety

Medical Center corridor-use policy

n some instances, this Medical Center Policy is at variance with the University corridor policy. The University administration has agreed that, in those instances, the Medical Center policy takes precedence.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to afford smooth, safe traffic flow through the corridors under normal conditions as well as in emergencies, to assure compliance with government regulations for corridor widths in schools and hospitals, and to reduce the unsightliness resulting from clutter in the corridors, while at the same time permitting use of excess corridor space.

Policy

It is Medical Center policy that all public corridors shall, to the greatest extent practicable, be free of clutter and obstruction at all times. To that extent, nothing is to be placed in the corridors, with the following exceptions:

• In main corridors and major traffic areas throughout the Medical Center, no exceptions;

• In corridors having minimal traffic. Items may be placed in the corridor in accordance with the regulations listed below, but a six-foot clearance must be maintained.

• In corridors having no through traffic. Items may be placed in the corridor in accordance with the regulations listed below, but a five-foot clearance must be maintained. (Call the University Fire Marshal, x5-3241, for guidance on specific corridors.)

Guidelines

Hazardous materials are not to be placed in corridors. Among the materials excluded are explosive, flammable, or combustible liquids, solids, or gases; aerosols; poisons; toxins; biohazardous materials; and radioactive materials.

Placement is restricted to currently used items only. Storage of unused items is to be done elsewhere. (Call Purchasing, x5-2002, regarding warehouse space.)

Items are to be place on one side of the corridor only.

A minimum wall clearance of 18 inches is required on both sides of all fire protection equipment, including fire extinguishers, pull boxes, and fire hoses, around exit doorways, safety showers, and utility cabinets.

Items requiring power must have a dedicated corridor receptacle near the item. Extension cords are not to be used.

Work stations and coffee break areas are prohibited in corridors. Coffee makers and similar heating devices are prohibited.

The use of athletic equipment such as bicycles, roller blades, roller skates, and skate boards inside buildings endangers others and poses a severe accident potential. Use of such equipment is prohibited in corridors, hallways, and other public spaces inside buildings. Violations can result in disciplinary action.

Administration

It is the responsibility of all personnel to assist in achieving the goals of this policy and, to this end, avoid using corridors for storage, extension of work space, or repositories for refuse. When existing corridors are wider than stipulated minimums, department heads may request permission from the University Fire Marshal to use the excess width for placement of storage cabinets, lockers, or other orderly, reasonably uniform furnishings, subject to the restrictions given above.

Any such use of corridor space will be limited to one side of a corridor throughout its length, and shall not in any way obstruct access to utility controls, fire fighting equipment, or fire alarms, or impede the flow of traffic.

Failure to observe these reasonable and necessary limitations could, after suitable notification, result in removal to storage, at the department's expense, of items not in accord with the guidelines.

Every attempt will be made to notify the department responsible for items found not in compliance. Once notified, departments will have five working days to correct non-compliant conditions. After five working days, department- identified non-compliant items will be tagged for immediate disposal by Medical Center Facilities Operations or Housekeeping at the owner's or department's expense.

Any non-compliant items causing an immediate threat to life or safety will be disposed of immediately.

Items with unknown ownership will be tagged for disposal and moved to storage by Medical Center Facilities Operations or Housekeeping after five working days, at the expense of the department responsible for the building location where the item was found.

The University Fire Marshal's Office will monitor and enforce compliance with this policy.