OBJECTIVE

The objective of this policy is to ensure the reliability of the fire alarm systems in the University of Florida fraternities and sororities. The University tries to limit the number of false alarms, which can create apathy when a fire alarm sounds too often.

AUTHORITY

Authority is derived from Florida Statute 240.227(1), Florida Administrative Code 6C1-4.004, Florida Administrative Code 6C6-3.010(1)(b), the University of Florida Division of Environmental Health and Safety (the authority having jurisdiction) and the Vice President for Student Affairs.

F.S. - ¹240.227 University presidents; powers and duties.--The president is the chief administrative officer of the university and is responsible for the operation and administration of the university. Each university president shall:

(1) Have the authority to adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement provisions of law governing the operation and administration of the university, which shall include the specific powers and duties enumerated in this section. Such rules shall be consistent with the mission of the university and statewide rules and policies and shall assist in the development of the university in a manner which will complement the missions and activities of the other universities for the overall purpose of achieving the highest quality of education for the citizens of the state.

6C1-4.004 Student Affairs: Social Fraternities and Sororities.

(1) Social fraternities and sororities exist at the University of Florida as residential units or groups under policies established by

the Dean of Students Office. Effective August 1, 1985, fraternities and sororities that provide housing for fifteen (15) or more

students must have a live-in resident advisor in accordance with criteria set forth by the Dean of Students Office. The criteria are set

forth in “Fraternity and Sorority House Director Policy,” 8/13/99, incorporation herein by reference.

(2) Sororities and Fraternities are governed by the Panhellenic Council, Inter-fraternity Council, Multicultural Greek Council,

or the National Panhellenic Council. The policies, governing constitutions, by-laws, rules and regulations of these Councils must

not conflict with the rules of the Board of Regents and the University of Florida or University policies, including but not limited to,

the policies established by the Dean of Students Office, which are the “Fraternity and Sorority House Director Policy” and the

“Alocohol and Social Functions Policy,” rev. 1992, which is incorporated herein by reference and can be obtained from the dean of

Students Office. Refer also to 6C1-4.003(1), F.A.C.

(3) The right of a fraternity or a sorority to exist at the University can be revoked by the University if a fraternity or sorority

fails to comply with the rules and regulations of the University or the Board of Regents or University policies, including but not

limited to, the policies established by the Dean of Students Office as noted above.

Specific Authority 240.227(1), 240.1235, 240.262 FS. Law Implemented 240.1235, 240.132, 240.227(13), 240.235(1), 240.262 FS. History–New 9-29-75, Amended 3-25-85, Formerly 6C1-4.04, Amended 10-31-99, 6-21-00.

6C6-3.010 Student Conduct Code - Administration and Procedures.

The University establishes the following rules governing student conduct:

(1) Student conduct is expected to be lawful and to abide by University regulations. The University distinguishes its

responsibilities for student conduct from the control functions of the wider community. The conduct of students both on the campus

and in the wider community outside the campus is ordinarily of University concern when:

(a) The conduct interferes with the University’s responsibility of ensuring members of the University community full and

equal opportunity to obtain their educational objectives; or

(b) The conduct interferes with the University’s responsibility to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of persons in the University community, to protect property, to maintain the ordinary rules of good conduct, and to sponsor non-class activities.

Specific Authority 240.227(1), 240.261(2) FS. Law Implemented 120.53(1)(a), 120.57(5), 120.62, 228.093, 240.132, 240.133, 240.227(1),240.237, 240.261 FS. History–New 10-1-75, Amended 10-24-79, 12-29-80, 8-9-81, 8-30-83, Formerly 6C6-3.10, Amended 10-26-86, 4-21-91.

POLICY

Where a fire alarm is required, it shall be maintained and serviced as required by Florida Administrative Code 4A-48 and the current adopted version of NFPA 72 – National Fire Alarm Code.

All fire alarms shall be monitored by the University of Florida’s proprietary supervising station system or an Underwriters Laboratories approved central station service that complies with the requirements set forth in NFPA 72. A FIRE WATCH shall be implemented if the fire alarm or sprinkler system is out of service or not reporting to the monitoring company for more than four hours in a 24-hour period.

NFPA 101 (2000) 3.3.77 Fire Watch. A person or persons assigned to an area for the purpose of protecting the occupants from fire or similar emergencies.

NFPA 101 (2000) 9.6.1.8 Where a required fire alarm system is out of service for than 4 hours in a 24 hour period, the authority having jurisdiction shall be notified, and the building shall be evacuated or an approved fire watch shall be provided for all parties left unprotected by the shutdown until the fire alarm system has been returned to service.

NFPA 101 (2000) 9.7.6.1 Where a required sprinkler system is out of service for more than 4 hours in a 24 hour period, the authority having jurisdiction shall be notified, and the building shall be evacuated or an approved fire watch shall be provided for all parties left unprotected by the shutdown until the sprinkler system has been returned to service.

PROCEDURES

All reporting procedures are automatic if the University monitors the fire alarm system.

The following criteria must be met if an outside monitoring company is used.

· The University of Florida police department must be the second number on the call list after the monitoring company notifies the fire department. The phone number to be called is (352) 392-1111.

· A fire alarm activity report must be faxed or e-mail to the Division of Environmental Health and Safety by the outside monitoring company to the attention of the Fire Safety Inspector each morning reporting all fire alarm activity from the previous day including successful phone line tests. The fax number is (352) 392-6367 or call for the appropriate email address.

FIRE WATCH responsibilities

· A third party shall be used for conducting the fire watch. The third party shall either be a security company, police officer, or firefighter not associated with the organization. . The third party must meet the Division of Environmental Health and Safety Fire Inspector’s approval.

· The company or department name, individual name, and phone number that will be used to make the call shall be reported to the University Police Department, 392-1111, prior to the fire watch beginning.

· The fire watch inspector must remain on-site during the hours of 11 PM to 7 AM and conduct a walk through of the house every hour.

· The third party shall call the University Policy Department every hour to report that the house is safe. The phone number to be called is 392-1111.