Generally, items should not be stored in corridors. Certain equipment (lab refrigerators, metal enclosed file cabinets, etc.) may be stored in approved corridors under the following conditions:

1. All items in any particular corridor are placed along one side of the corridor only, with the other side kept clear for emergency evacuation
2. An 18 inch clearance from the top of any storage, to the ceiling, to prevent interfering with the sprinkler system operation is maintained
3. Do not block fire exits or entrance doors.
4. A clearance of 3 feet around all safety showers is maintained
5. A minimum corridor width of 44 inches at any point for occupant movement / evacuation is maintained
6. No work with any stored chemical or biological material is allowed

For further clarification, please review the EHS Emergency Egress and Corridor Safety Update on our website.

Space heaters are allowed at WMC under certain conditions as follows:

• All portable space heaters need to be approved by EHS prior to use
• Space heaters should be electric powered and oil filled
• The heating element cannot be exposed
• The unit must be UL listed
• The unit should be placed 3 feet away from any combustibles or furniture whenever possible

For more information read the EHS Update entitled Portable Space Heaters.

Generally, safety showers should be accessible and visible from all vantage points. There should be a clear path to the shower and adequate clearance around the shower. A sign identifying the shower should be posted conspicuously and visible from all vantage points. Based on these criteria, the following can serve as a guideline for storage in the vicinity of a safety shower:

• A minimum clearance of 3 feet should be maintained around the safety shower.
• Items stored should not present an obstruction to access or shower operation.
• Stored items should not block or obscure the safety shower signage from any vantage point.

EHS discourages the use of electrical extension cords as a general practice. Extension cords expose occupants to additional shock hazards since there is an additional point of contact where electrical plugs can come loose from the extension cord. Additionally, the connector point is on the floor where water can come in contact with the extension cord. We also discourage the use of flexible cable organizers since wires can be worn or deteriorate over time by occupants walking on the conduit. Since the wires are hidden, worn electrical wires can go unnoticed and cause an electrical short which can lead to a fire. The best solution is to contact Facilities to conduct a survey where your power needs can be properly evaluated and a solution engineered.