Building Inspections

VCU's Office of Environmental Health and Safety inspects all VCU and MCVH buildings at least annually to ensure compliance with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, Life Safety Codes and University policies.  During a building inspection the safety officer will visit all areas of a building to check for fire or life safety problems. The most common compliance issues found during campus building inspections are:
 

1.	Space Heaters. Space heaters with an exposed element or coil are not permitted. Oil-filled space heaters, which resemble small radiators, are acceptable.
2.	Extension Cords and Power Strips. Extension cords should only be used for temporary connections. Additional electrical outlets should be installed for permanent connections. Extension cords frequently cause fire, electrical and trip hazards. Power strips must have a circuit breaker and re-set button.
3.	Storage. Boxes, equipment, and other materials shall not be stored in corridors, stairwells or hallways. Stored items may impede a swift egress in an emergency situation.
4.	Coffee makers. Coffee makers shall not be placed on combustible surfaces such as plastic mats or wood countertops.

Once the inspection is complete the Safety Officer will submit a report to the building or area manager and Physical Plant or Plant Operations as appropriate.  The Safety Officer will submit work orders to Physical Plant or Plant Operations and track them to completion.  The building or area manager is required to correct all deficiencies in a timely manner.  A response from the building or area manager is requested within 30 days to document compliance.   The Safety Officer or the Occupational Safety Coordinator will address any questions regarding the report.
If you have any questions about building inspections you may call Jeff Pool (828-0040) for the West Campus or Troy Bower (827-0345) for the East Campus.

This page last updated 5/30/07.