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EMERGENCY PLANNING

As owner and operator of a number of buildings, Admin has fire and life safety responsibilities to include detailed immediate emergency response and follow-on actions required of tenant agencies; building maintenance and coordination with city, county, and state Emergency Management Services.

Facilities Management maintenance and tenant agency emergency staff personnel are identified as well as those needing assistance, and those trained in CPR and first aid. Anticipated emergency situations such as evacuation due to fire, bomb threats, severe weather and more are included in each building’s emergency plan.

To request the attachment to the basic plan for a specific building or for Safety to conduct training for tenant agencies, click here or call the Safety office 803-737-2311.

Persons with restricted mobility or impaired sight or hearing (permanent or temporary), especially in a multi-story building where descending stairs is difficult, may want or need assistance during an evacuation or other emergency, and are requested to complete the Person in Need form.

Monthly checks of portable fire extinguishers, normally conducted by Building Maintenance, are the responsibility of the tenant if installed for their special purpose areas. Annual inspections and maintenance are required to be performed by a South Carolina-licensed fire technician.

South Carolina has legislated restrictions on smoking in certain areas through the Clean Air Act of 1990 to include all state buildings. Some exceptions are allowed. There is to be no smoking in a state building except in a designated area and these smoking areas must be identified with conspicuous signs and have adequate ventilation to keep the other areas smoke free. Fire code (IFC 310) also requires designated smoking areas to provide suitable noncombustible receptacles (not standard trash containers that hold combustible materials) so as to properly dispose of matches, cigarettes, cigars and other smoking materials to prevent fire.

Space heaters are a fire hazard and can be especially dangerous when they don’t meet Underwriters Laboratory (UL) safety standards or when used improperly. In general, any home appliances in the workplace are discouraged due to the fire hazard from an overloaded electrical system and increased energy costs. To make a complaint about it being too cold in your office area, please use the work order process or call the Work Order Desk (803-734-3308). Space heaters are only allowed after making a cold complaint, investigation by Facilities Management and their appliance inspection and approval.

Open flames (i.e., candle or incense burner) are prohibited in South Carolina Department of Administration buildings. Exception (i.e., Sterno-type food tray warmers for catering) can be approved by request to the Safety office.

Extension cords can be used for up to 90 days but must be used properly. The available guidance describes potential hazards and recommendations for proper use. However, a sufficient number of well located grounded outlets can eliminate the need for extension cords.