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Policy 4208 – Safety Issues for the Disabled

Revision Date: 11/1/2011

Responsible Office: Environmental Health And Safety

GENERAL INFORMATION

In general, safety considerations which apply to the University Community should also be applied to the physically disabled.  It should be noted, however, that the physically disabled individual does possess needs which require special consideration to insure that safe procedures exist to provide an appropriate evacuation plan for emergency situations.  General considerations include, but are not limited to, the following items.

FIRE SAFETY AND DEVELOPMENT OF SAFETY PROCEDURES FOR THE DISABLED

This topic is of particular importance in many areas of the University Community, but is of particular concern in academic buildings and residence halls, as well as buildings such as the Student Center, Prescott Library, and other areas which provide student support services.

Specific measures designed to provide updated procedures and training for campus personnel are important to insure equal safety for disabled individuals.  Evacuation plans for disabled individuals shall be a joint effort of all departments and agencies likely to be involved in an emergency.

A clearly-displayed procedure and floor plan-exit map shall be posted on each floor in all buildings.  Additionally, each building shall have designated Building Monitors who are familiar with the function of the building, as well as special problems related to his/her facility.

Responsibility for specific duties shall be determined during the development of the emergency evacuation plan.

SPECIAL PROBLEMS WITH THE DISABLED

It is imperative to note that the physically disabled individual will, in some cases, present special conditions for University and Departmental individuals to consider when implementing emergency evacuation procedures.  Included in this category are the visually impaired, hearing impaired, and mobility impaired (must utilize crutches or wheelchair).

It is imperative that any procedures designed to facilitate a higher degree of safety should not overlook the fact that specific disabilities will require adaptive measures.  The importance of stairwell refuge areas becomes an area of specific concern.

Policy 4208 – Safety Issues for the Disabled

Revision Date: 11/1/2011

Responsible Office: Environmental Health And Safety

GENERAL INFORMATION

In general, safety considerations which apply to the University Community should also be applied to the physically disabled.  It should be noted, however, that the physically disabled individual does possess needs which require special consideration to insure that safe procedures exist to provide an appropriate evacuation plan for emergency situations.  General considerations include, but are not limited to, the following items.

FIRE SAFETY AND DEVELOPMENT OF SAFETY PROCEDURES FOR THE DISABLED

This topic is of particular importance in many areas of the University Community, but is of particular concern in academic buildings and residence halls, as well as buildings such as the Student Center, Prescott Library, and other areas which provide student support services.

Specific measures designed to provide updated procedures and training for campus personnel are important to insure equal safety for disabled individuals.  Evacuation plans for disabled individuals shall be a joint effort of all departments and agencies likely to be involved in an emergency.

A clearly-displayed procedure and floor plan-exit map shall be posted on each floor in all buildings.  Additionally, each building shall have designated Building Monitors who are familiar with the function of the building, as well as special problems related to his/her facility.

Responsibility for specific duties shall be determined during the development of the emergency evacuation plan.

SPECIAL PROBLEMS WITH THE DISABLED

It is imperative to note that the physically disabled individual will, in some cases, present special conditions for University and Departmental individuals to consider when implementing emergency evacuation procedures.  Included in this category are the visually impaired, hearing impaired, and mobility impaired (must utilize crutches or wheelchair).

It is imperative that any procedures designed to facilitate a higher degree of safety should not overlook the fact that specific disabilities will require adaptive measures.  The importance of stairwell refuge areas becomes an area of specific concern.