Departmental Emergency Evacuation Plan

Microbiology-Immunology

303 E. Chicago Avenue

Chicago, IL 60611

Ward Building, Room 6-315

January 2008

This is supplemental information to provide department specific emergency procedures.  Refer to the Employee Safety Handbook for additional NU safety information.

In the event of fire, hazardous materials release, or other hazardous situations requiring emergency response, ACTIVATE THE FIRE ALARM BY PULLING AN ALARM PULL STATION AND CALL UNIVERSITY POLICE.

Lab workers must receive training to distinguish between the types of spills they can handle on their own and those spills that are classified as “MAJOR”.  Major spills dictate the need for outside help.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS  

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY – CALL UP AND CALMLY STATE:

• Your Name
• The building and room location of the emergency
• The nature of the emergency – fire, chemical spill, etc.
• Whether injuries have occurred
• Hazards present which may affect responding emergency personnel
• A phone number near the scene where you can be reached.

BUILDING EVACUATION

Upon hearing the fire alarm, or announcement, begin evacuation procedures.

• Keep yourself and others calm
• Quickly proceed outside the building (or to the announced “safe location” using the planned evacuation route.
• Close windows and doors as you leave.
• Help those that need special assistance. (Insert plan for assisting disabled persons in the department)
• Report immediately to the designated “safe area” located at home plate of the southeast softball diamond in Lakeshore Park along Chicago Avenue.  Check in with Jimmy Gurchek or Scott Jeffress who will be taking a head count.
• Wait for instructions form emergency response personnel.  Do not re-enter the building until told it is safe to do so.

BUILDING SAFETY SYSTEMS

The building at 303 E. Chicago Avenue on Northwestern University, Chicago campus has the following safety systems:

Locate the emergency equipment in your area and know how to use it.

Alarms – the fire alarm system in the building is activated by manual pull stations, smoke or heat detectors, or the activation of the sprinkler system,  All alarms are immediately sent to UP and the Chicago Fire Department.  Evacuation will be the decision of the Chicago Fire Department.

Smoke and heat detectors – This will immediately activate the fire alarm system.

Automatic Sprinkler System – This will begin the extinguishment of the fire and immediately send an alarm to UP.  Individual sprinkler heads will open only where the temperature reaches the prescribed setting.  It is important that at least 18” of clearance be kept at all times below the line of sprinklers to allow proper water distribution over the fire.  Sprinklers must never be painted and should be protected from being struck and damaged or broken off.  Leaks or other problems with the automatic sprinkler system should be reported promptly to Facilities Management.

Emergency Lighting – This will aid in the evacuation in areas of corridors and stairways.  A flashlight is recommended to aid in emergencies.

Fire Extinguishers – Only NU trained personnel should use fire extinguishers.  Always notify UP, from a safe location, after using a fire extinguisher.  Never block or obstruct extinguishers with furniture or equipment.

1.      All labs

2.      Next to Ward elevators

3.      Searle hallway next to room 6-417

4.      Searle 6-418

5.      Searle south hallway

6.      Next to Searle elevator

7.      Northwest corner or Tarry hallway

8.      Southwest corner of Tarry hallway

9.      Tarry equipment room, 6-707

10. Next to Tarry elevator

11. East hallway in Tarry across from lab, 6-751

Manual alarm pull stations – Pull down to activate evacuation alarm.  This will sound an alarm and immediately send an alarm signal to UP.  After activating the alarm call UP, from a safe location, to provide additional information.  Never block or obstruct these with furniture or equipment.

First Aid Kit – For minor injuries not requiring medical attention, a first aid kit is located in each lab, along with one located in the Business Office.

Fire Doors – Must be kept shut at all times to provide a safe means of egress in stairways and corridors, unless releasing devices close doors upon alarm activation.

Evacuation Personnel

Date of Last Evacuation Drill: 9/25/03

Evacuation Drills are to be held annually.  Contact Risk Management to schedule.

If you have questions, you can contact Scott Jeffress at; 312-503-1026,

or send an email to; s-jeff@northwestern.edu.

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