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Medical Center Corridor Use Guidelines

Purpose:

            The purpose of these guidelines are to afford smooth, safe traffic flow through corridors under normal conditions as well as in emergencies, to assure compliance with government regulations for corridor widths in schools and hospitals, and to reduce the unsightliness resulting from clutter in the corridors, while at the same time permitting use of excess corridor space. (In some instances, this Medical Center policy is at variance with the University Corridor Guidelines.  The University administration has agreed that, in those instances, the Medical Center Guidelines takes precedence. )

Policy:

            It is stated in the Medical Center guidelines that all public corridors shall, to the greatest extent practicable, be free of clutter and obstruction at all times.  To that extent, nothing is to be placed in the corridors, with the following exceptions:

  1. In main corridors and major traffic areas throughout the Medical Center:  NO exceptions.
  2. In corridors having minimal through traffic:  Items may be placed in the corridor in accordance with the regulations listed below, but a six foot clearance must be maintained.
  3. In corridors having no through traffic:  Items may be placed in the corridor in accordance with the regulations listed below, but a five foot clearance must be maintained.  (Please call the University Fire Marshal’s office at x5-3241, for guidance relative to specific corridors.)
  4. The use of athletic equipment such as bicycles, roller blades, roller skates, and skateboards inside buildings endangers others and poses a severe accident potential.  Therefore use of such equipment is prohibited in corridors, hallways, and other public spaces inside buildings.  Violations can result in disciplinary action.

Guidelines:

  1. Hazardous materials are not to be placed in corridors.  Among the materials excluded are:  explosive, flammable or combustible liquids, solids or gases, aerosols, poisons, toxins, biohazardous materials and radioactive materials.
  2. Placement is restricted to currently used items only.  Storage of unused items is to be done elsewhere.  (Call Purchasing at x5-2002 for warehouse space.)
  3. Items are to be placed on one side of the corridor only.
  4. A minimum wall clearance of eighteen inches is required on both sides of all fire protection equipment including fire extinguishers, pull boxes, and fire hoses, around exit doorways, around safety showers, and around utility cabinets.
  5. Items requiring power must have a dedicated corridor receptacle near the item. Extension cords are not to be used.
  6. Workstations and "coffee break" areas are prohibited in corridors.  Coffee makers and similar heating devices are prohibited.

Administration:

            It is the responsibility of all personnel to assist in achieving the goals of these guidelines, and to avoid using corridors for storage, extension of workspace or repositories for refuse.  When existing corridors are wider than stipulated minimums, department heads may request permission from the University Fire Marshal’s Office to utilize the excess width for placement of storage cabinets, lockers, or other orderly, reasonably uniform furnishings, subject to the restrictions given above.

            Any such utilization of corridor space will be limited to one side of a corridor throughout its length, and shall not in any way obstruct access to utility controls, fire-fighting equipment, fire alarms, or impede the flow of traffic.

            Failure to observe these reasonable and necessary limitations could, after suitable notification; result in removal to storage, at the departments’ expense, of items not in accord with the guidelines.

            Every attempt will be made to notify the department responsible for items found not in compliance.  Once notified, departments will have five working days to correct non-compliant conditions.  After five working days, department-identified non-compliant items will be tagged for immediate disposal by Medical Center Facilities Operations or Housekeeping at owner/department expense.

            ANY NON-COMPLIANT ITEMS CAUSING AN IMMEDIATE THREAT TO LIFE OR SAFETY WILL BE DISPOSED OF IMMEDIATELY!

            Items with unknown ownership will be tagged for disposal and moved to storage by Medical Center Facilities Operations or Housekeeping after five working days at the expense of the department responsible for the building location where the item was found.


QUESTIONS? Contact the EH&S Fire Marshal's Office at (585) 275-3243 or e-mail EH&S Questions.

This page last updated 9/23/2004. Disclaimer.