Safety Guidelines & Requirements

In order to create a safe and secure environment for all University members and affiliates, it is essential to have vital safety and security procedures established. The Safety Guidelines Manual not only illustrates the actions that need to be taken in an emergency, but is an educational tool for best practices on how to be diligent and pragmatic in the preparation and response to the countless safety scenarios the campus population may encounter.

The most precious resources at the University of Pennsylvania are the people that study, live, work and enjoy this world-renowned institution. Penn places the highest priority on establishing the safest operational environment for the campus-community; but it must always be remembered, that safety is a shared responsibility. It starts with each individual on campus and expands to encompass the entire Penn community.

The Division of Public Safety urges you to actively participate in a comprehensive safety plan that coincides with the guidelines in this manual. To help become a part of the “shared responsibility” initiative, please contact the Division of Public Safety’s Department of Fire & Emergency Services at 215-573-7857.

Available Documents

Directive 1. Students with Disabilities

Requirement 1. Tampering With Life Safety Systems

Requirement 2. Hot Work Operations

Requirement 2. – Appendix 2.0 – Hot Work Operations-Permit A

Requirement 2. – Appendix 2.1 – Hot Work Operations-Permit B

Requirement 3. Prohibition of Open Flame in Student Residences

Requirement 4. Life Safety and Standards OFSL

Safety Guideline 1. Emergency Preparedness Evacuations

Safety Guideline 1. – Appendix 1.0 – Emergency Preparedness Sector Map

Safety Guideline 1. – Appendix 1.1 – Emergency Evacuation Log

Safety Guideline 2. Other Building Emergencies

Safety Guideline 3. Emergency Preparedness Shelter-In-Place

Safety Guideline 3. – Appendix 3.0 – Emergency Prep Shelter-In-Place

Safety Guideline 4. Fire Watch

Safety Guideline 5. Classes of Fire

Safety Guideline 6. Sternos

Safety Guideline 7. Tents

Safety Guideline 8. Holiday Decorations

Safety Guideline 9. Propane Leak or Fire Emergency Procedure

Safety Guideline 10. Religious Candle-Lighting in College Houses

Safety Guideline 11. Outdoor Portable Fireplaces

Safety Guideline 11. – Appendix 11.0 – Outdoor Portable Fireplace Form

Safety Guideline 12. Portable Electric Heaters

Safety Guideline 12. – Appendix 12.0 – Portable Heater Form

Safety Guideline 13. Grilling

Safety Guideline 13. – Appendix 13.0 – Grilling on Penn Campus

Safety Guideline 13. – Appendix 13.1 – Grilling at Penn Park

Safety Guideline 13. – Appendix 13.2 – Penn Park Map

Safety Guideline 14. Surge Protection

Safety Guideline 15. Outdoor Candlelight Vigil

Safety Guideline 15. – Appendix 15.0 – Outdoor Candlelight Vigil Form

Safety Guideline 16. Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Safety Guideline 17. Low-Speed Vehicles

Safety Guideline 21. E-Scooters and Personal Mobility Devices

Disclaimer

All information provided in this manual was compiled from a number of acknowledged safety-related industry sources, and local, state and nationally recognized codes and standards. However, these guidelines do not purport to be all-inclusive and will not cover every safety scenario encountered on the campus.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (FES) within the Division of Public Safety is the administrator of this manual and stands ready to research or refer safety questions to obtain contemporary subject-matter and expert opinions for all types of safety issues.

Questions or concerns can be directed to FES by calling 215-573-7857.