Open Flame Policy

Purpose

To reduce potential fire hazard to preserve life safety and to reduce the risk of loss from fire, the University of Dayton (University) prohibits the use of any Open Flame as defined below in any University facility including any residential structure, and temporary structures such as tents. 

Scope

This policy applies to any University facility including any residential structure.  This policy also applies to temporary structures such as tents. 

The following items shall be considered exempt from this policy and are therefore permitted:

• Use of Open Flame in controlled settings such as laboratories or food service where such flames are used in daily activities.
• Use of candles or incense where necessary for ceremonial or religious purposes. Such candles shall be securely supported on substantial noncombustible bases with the candle flame protected, not to be in areas where occupants stand or in an aisle or exit, and is managed by Campus Ministry.
• Gas or/charcoal grills which are to be used at least 10 feet away from all flammable materials and all structures, including residential structures.

Policy History

Effective Date:  February 2001

Approval:  February 9, 2023

Policy History: 

• Approved in original form:  February 2001
• Approved as amended:  January 25, 2016
• Approved as amended:  February 9, 2023

Maintenance of Policy:  Assistant Vice President for Compliance, Environmental Health & Safety, Division of Audit, Risk and Compliance

Definitions

(a)  “Open Flame” shall include any fire, unprotected flame, or smoke, including but not limited to those produced by candles, torches, butane burners, incense, fireworks, pyrotechnic devices, gas or/charcoal grills, bonfires, smoking products or any other flammable material.

Policy

In order to comply with fire codes, particularly Ohio Fire Code F-402.1 & F-402.3, the creation or use of any open flame in any University facility, including any residential structure or temporary structures is prohibited unless specifically approved by the Department of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS). The use of propane tanks to create an Open Flame shall be strictly prohibited in any University facility.

Individuals wishing to apply for a variance to the policy must submit a request to EHS that includes:

1.  The name of the individual responsible for the use of Open Flame;

2.  The layout of the venue;

3.  Location where the Open Flame will be used;

4.  Approximate length of Open Flame;

5.  Location(s) of fire extinguishers and other fire safety precautions.

EHS will review all requests and either deny or approve the request in a timely manner.  Such request for approval must be requested a minimum of one (1) week in advance of the event and provide the request in writing with a safety plan. 

ENFORCEMENT AND RESPONSE TO NON-COMPLIANCE

Employees found using or allowing the unauthorized use of any Open Flame will be issued a verbal and/or written notification to remove the item immediately. The employee’s supervisor will be notified and a notice of non-compliance will be issued.

If a student is found to be using any Open Flame, they will be in violation of the Fire Safety portion of the Student Code of Conduct and will be issued a violation.

Reference Documents

1. Fire Safety and Evacuation Policy
2. Environmental Health and Safety Policy
3. Student Code of Conduct
4. Hot Work Procedures
5. Smoking on the University of Dayton Campus Policy

Applicable Regulations

1. Policy and procedures follow National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines
2. Life Safety Code 101/13.7.2 2012 Edition