APPROVAL PROCEDURE FOR FRATERNITY PARTIES

 

At The University of Alabama, when a fraternity applies to Student Life for approval for a party, EHS receives notification of that application. Initiative is then taken to inspect the house for safety violations. There is a fire safety inspection checklist (see below) that is followed to assure the house meets Fire Safety codes. If the deficiencies found during the inspection are not corrected by 1:00 p.m. on the Friday before the party, the party is disapproved. However, if the deficiencies have been corrected, the party is approved.

 

FIRE SAFETY INSPECTION CHECKLIST

  1. Have all fire extinguishers been inspected within the last year? Inspection tag attached to fire extinguisher indicating inspection date? Is seal in place around handle and pull pin? Is it fully charged?
  2. Are ALL exit lights in place and operational (both bulbs work)?
  3. Are all exit stairwell doors accessible (none are blocked open, no storage in hallways/stairwells and NO DEADBOLT LOCKS)?
  4. Are all hallways clear from obstructions, trash, etc.?
  5. Do all electrical outlets have covered faceplates?
  6. Are all extension cords grounded and used for temporary purposes only? (No extension cords on permanent fixtures, e.g. coke machines).
  7. Does your building have emergency lighting in stairwells/ in sleeping area hallways? Do they work when tested monthly?
  8. Are door closures (automatic closing devices) on all stairwell doors?
  9. Are all stairwells clear of storage, such as bicycles, mattresses, furniture, mailboxes, pictures, bulletin boards, tables, lawnmowers, etc.?
  10. Are all door stops removed from stairwell doors? (Discard any wedges, bricks etc. that may be used to prop stairwell doors open).
  11. Are mechanical rooms clear of storage (no washers, dryers, tables, chairs, cabinets, lawnmowers, etc.)?
  12. Does EVERY bedroom/sleeping area have an electrical smoke detector? Does it work when tested monthly?
  13. Do you have an approved metal cabinet for storage of flammable liquids?
  14. Are all pressure tanks properly secured and not freestanding?
  15. Is general housekeeping a high priority? (Assure phone cords/extinction cords are not trip hazards).
  16. Are all trash receptacles clear and not an eyesore (which could lead to a complaint to the Health Dept. or to our office)?
  17. All ceiling tiles in place?
  18. Do all electrical panels have covers/doors and are fuses properly labeled?
  19. Decorations are prohibited (such as boxes, cardboard, mazes, hay pallets). Platforms for bands are acceptable.
  20. Is area free from combustibles outside house (paper, wood, etc.)?
  21. Does your fireplace have a fire screen that is the correct size for the fireplace?
  22. Is smoking prohibited in areas where smoke detectors are tied into the fire alarm system? (This can result in a false alarm and the fire department may prosecute with heavy fines, starting at $3500).
  23. Is parking prohibited in fire zones or at fire hydrants?
  24. FRATERNITIES- Is the OCCUPANCY LIMIT SIGN posted? (Contact EHS at 348-5905).