Fire Safety

The MRC is a fully sprinkled, fire resistive building. The fire alarm system for the building consists of pull stations, smoke detectors, heat detectors, and sprinklers. The cleanroom gas monitoring system is connected to the building fire alarm system. All these devices are connected to annunciation alarm panels (alpha-numeric display), which can give an exact location and device in alarm to emergency response personnel. The panel is located in the MRC Lobby. The system is served by a non-interruptible power supply. The system documents all alarm and trouble events. In event of an alarm, alert tones are issued through combination horn/strobes. Simultaneously, the alarm is transmitted to Public Safety. The Public Safety Communications Officer has written procedures in place for notification and response to alarms. NC State Public Safety responds to all fire alarms. Any activation of the fire alarm horns and strobes requires immediate building evacuation. Do not re-enter the building unless authorized by appropriate personnel.

The wet benches are protected by RP-1002 an Agent Release Control System and Notifier. This system controls both smoke and flame detectors throughout the hoods. These detectors are wired to the Notifier control panel located near the hood. When smoke or fire is detected by one of these devices, the system will discharge one CO2 cylinder per hood. It will also activate the building fire alarm. This system also has a manual release at each wet bench, which is for emergency use only. If you see a fire prior to automatic release of the CO2, activate the manual release. Activation of the manual release will activate the building fire alarm.

In the event of a building fire alarm, Air Handler Units 3 & 4, which bring fresh outside air, will shut down. Once the fire panel has been reset, AHU 3 & 4 will come back on line automatically. Re-circulation fans do not shut off during a fire alarm.

If you identify a fire in progress, pull the manual fire alarm. Only trained individuals should use a fire extinguisher. Fire extinguishers should only be used after the fire alarm is pulled and if you have a clear evacuation route and do not feel you are in personal jeopardy.

Other Safety Features:

  • 500 KW emergency generators, which supplies power to all life safety systems including cleanroom and gas storage area, exhaust systems.
  • ABC type fire extinguishers are in the hallways of each floor. The distance between fire extinguishers does not exceed 75 feet. Every laboratory has a fire extinguisher. Public Safety Fire Protection Division checks fire extinguishers monthly. Only use fire extinguishers if you have received training.
  • Emergency eye washes and safety showers are located in the hallway approximately every 75 feet and in cleanroom areas.
  • The southeast side atrium stairwell is isolated by “fire shutters” which close when two smoke detectors in that area activate.
  • All laboratory and corridor doors are fire rated. The design requires that doors be closed at all times, unless they are controlled by the fire alarm system.
  • The fire alarm system is connected to Public Safety and monitored 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The Public Safety Communications Officer has standard operating procedures, specific computer alarm text information, and a direct line to the Raleigh Police and Fire Dispatcher. The standard operating procedures followed by the Communications Officer is to notify other responsible parties including the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) of an alarm condition.