LLE Safety Zone

Fire Safety

Information on this site is intended for LLE workers only (view full disclaimer)

For fire safety issues, please contact John Sawyer: (585) 353-9497 (cell), Email:

Immediate and appropriate response to fire alarms is mandatory to protect life and equipment

University of Rochester and LLE use the RACE acronym for responding to a fire

Rescue or Relocate victims without exposing yourself to unnecessary risk
Activate the Alarm system (preferred) or call Security; dial 13 or 275-3333
Confine the fire by Closing doors and windows
Evacuate the building or Extinguish the fire

Upon evacuation, all employees shall move at least 50 feet away from the building and remain clear of the building until the “all clear” signal is given and/or both the horns and strobes have been silenced.

The URMC Imaging Building at 200 East River Road is the designated area for all employees to report to during an actual fire or other emergency that delays employees from reentering LLE.

LLE is designated a “Fight Building” which means trained LLE personnel may fight a fire once the first 3 steps of the RACE process have been completed and if

  • the fire is small and contained
  • there is a clear exit from the fire

University of Rochester and LLE use the PASS acronym for operating a fire extinguisher to fight a fire

Pull the pin
Aim the extinguisher
Squeeze the handle
Sweep at base of the fire

Discharge the entire fire extinguisher and then exit while closing doors behind you. Do not use a 2nd extinguisher if the 1st one failed to put the fire out.

While fighting a fire, you should evacuate if 

  • the fire is spreading beyond the point of origin
  • the fire could block your exit
  • you do not know how to use a fire extinguisher

Fire is a Chemical Reaction that requires Heat, Fuel and Oxygen

  • Fire extinguishers fight fires by stopping the chain reaction
  • They accomplish this by removing one or more of heat, fuel, and oxygen
Illustration showing oxygen, heat, and fuel creating a chain reaction resulting in fire

Fire and Fire Extinguisher Types

  • It is important to use the correct fire extinguisher for the type of fire being fought
    Fire Extinguisher Types
    Type Used for
    A Ordinary combustibles such as paper, cardboard, and wood
    B Flammable liquids such as gasoline and kerosene
    C Electrical fires such as appliance, computers, and wiring
    D Combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, potassium, and sodium
    K Kitchen grease fires. NOT present in LLE
  • Explicit permission for acquisition and use of Type D or Type K extinguishers must be obtained from John Sawyer, Fire Safety Officer
Graphic of red Fire Extinguisher and flames

Safe work practices are everyone’s responsibility

  • Hot work permit training is required for all employees and contractors that weld or solder with an open flame
  • Space heaters, personal coffee pots, electric hot plates, and similar devices are prohibited at LLE
  • Daisy-chained extension cords and using temporary wiring in lieu of permanent wiring are prohibited at LLE

During work hours, LLE has authorization to

  • silence the alarm and allow personnel to re-enter the building if the cause is not fire and permission has been provided by either the responding fire department personnel or through direct communication with UR Department of Public Safety

For more information, review the University of Rochester’s Fire Safety Unit