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Policy Information
Date Established: 1/12/2003
Date Last Updated: 7/1/2014
Category:
Facilities; Health and Safety
Responsible Office:
Environment, Health & Safety
Responsible Executive:
Vice President for Finance and Administration
Policy Contents
This policy is in effect even though it has not gone through the policy review process.
Summary
The purpose of this policy is to prevent the use of lighting fixtures in university facilities that present a fire safety hazard through the use of exposed high temperature lamps as the light source.
Policy Statement
Torchiere style lamps are not permitted for use in University at Buffalo (UB, university) facilities as a best practice means of preventing the start of a fire that may threaten life and property. Torchiere lamps are lighting equipment designed for residential interior use and require high temperature bulbs, approximately 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, as the light source.
Background
Codes and guidelines for this policy:
- Chapter 3, Section 305 Ignition Sources of the Fire Code of New York State
- Consumer Product Safety Commission memo dated 4/9/98
- Press Release #97-173.
Chapter 3, Section 305.1 of the fire Code of New York State requires that “clearance between ignition sources, such as light fixtures, heaters and flame producing devices, and combustible materials shall be maintained in an approved manner.”
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has documented statistical information on torchiere lamps, clearly identifying them as a fire safety hazard. This information cites contact with combustible materials, exploding bulbs, electrical short circuits, and lamp tip-over as specific hazards.
Definitions
Torchiere Lamps
Typically, floor lamps with a high temperature halogen bulb, drawing 300-500 watts of power, at approximately 970 to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and mounted at the base of an opened top globe.
Responsibility
All Individuals
- All persons living, working, and/or learning on campus are responsible for adherence to the policy.
Contact Information
| Contact | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Environment, Health & Safety | 716-829-3301 | ehs@facilities.buffalo.edu |
Related Information
University Links:
History
| July 2014 | Updated the Responsible Executive to reflect the current organizational structure. |