College Fire Safety Management Regulations

"Regulations on the Administration of Fire Safety in Colleges and Universities"

Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China

No. 28

The Regulations on the Administration of Fire Safety in Colleges and Universities were reviewed and passed at the 20th ministerial office meeting of the Ministry of Education on July 3, 2009. With the approval of the Ministry of Public Security, it is hereby promulgated and will come into effect on January 1, 2010.

Minister of Education Zhou Ji

Meng Jianzhu, Minister of Public Security

October 19, 2001

College Fire Safety Management Regulations

Chapter 1 General Provisions

Article 1 These regulations are formulated in accordance with fire laws, higher education laws, and other relevant regulations to strengthen and standardize fire safety management in higher education institutions, prevent and reduce fire hazards, and ensure the safety of life and property for teachers, students, and school assets.

Article 2 These regulations apply to the fire safety management of regular higher education institutions and adult education institutions (hereinafter referred to as schools). The fire safety management of other units within the school shall be implemented in accordance with the relevant provisions of these regulations.

Article 3 In the work of fire safety, schools must abide by fire laws, regulations, and rules, implement the principle of prevention first, combining prevention with elimination, fulfill fire safety duties, and ensure a safe environment.

Article 4 Schools shall implement a step-by-step fire safety responsibility system and post fire safety responsibility system, define responsibilities for each level and position, and determine responsible persons for fire safety at all levels and positions.

Article 5 Schools shall conduct fire safety education and training, enhance fire drills, and improve the fire safety awareness and self-rescue skills of teachers and students.

Article 6 School units, teachers, students, and staff shall fulfill their duties in maintaining fire safety, including protecting fire-fighting facilities, preventing fires, reporting alarms, and fighting fires.

Article 7 The administrative department of education shall perform its legal duties in managing fire safety in higher education institutions, inspect, supervise, and urge the implementation of fire safety work, and encourage institutions to establish and implement fire safety systems.

The public security organs shall perform their supervisory duties in fire safety management at colleges and universities, strengthen inspections, and guide and supervise colleges and universities in carrying out effective fire safety work.

Chapter II Fire Safety Responsibility

Article 8 The legal representative of the school is the person responsible for fire safety. He is fully responsible for the school's fire safety and performs the following duties:

(1) Implement fire protection laws, regulations, and rules, and approve the implementation of the school's fire safety responsibility system and management system;

(2) Approve the annual fire safety work plan and budget, and regularly hold fire safety meetings;

(3) Provide necessary guarantees and organizational support;

(4) Supervise and promote the implementation of fire inspections and major hazard rectification, and promptly address major fire-related issues;

(5) Establish various types of fire protection organizations, such as volunteer fire brigades, and carry out mass self-defense and self-rescue activities;

(6) Sign a Fire Safety Responsibility Book with the responsible person of the secondary unit;

(7) Organize the development of fire prevention and emergency evacuation plans;

(8) Promote fire science research and technological innovation;

(9) Other fire safety duties prescribed by law.

Article 9 The school leader in charge of fire safety assists the legal representative in managing fire safety and performs the following duties:

(1) Organize the formulation of fire safety management systems and coordinate the implementation of fire safety work across the school;

(2) Develop an annual fire safety work plan;

(3) Review the annual fire safety budget;

(4) Organize fire safety inspections and hazard rectification;

(5) Supervise the maintenance, repair, and testing of fire-fighting equipment to ensure they are functional and accessible;

(6) Organize and manage firefighting organizations like volunteer fire brigades;

(7) Conduct fire safety education and training for teachers and students, and organize fire prevention and evacuation drills;

(8) Assist other fire safety personnel in their tasks.

Other school leaders have leadership, supervision, inspection, and management responsibilities for fire safety within their scope of duties.

Article 10 Each school must establish or clearly define agencies responsible for daily fire safety work (referred to as fire control agencies), equip them with full-time fire control personnel, and perform the following fire safety responsibilities:

(1) Formulate an annual fire safety work plan and budget, develop fire safety systems, and report them for approval;

(2) Supervise and inspect the implementation of the fire safety responsibility system;

(3) Monitor the use and management of fire-fighting facilities and infrastructure, and conduct regular inspections;

(4) Identify key fire safety units and guide them in fire safety work;

(5) Supervise the storage, use, and management of hazardous materials and approve open flame operations;

(6) Conduct fire safety education and training, organize drills, and promote fire prevention knowledge;

(7) Train volunteer fire brigades in firefighting knowledge and skills;

(8) Advance technical fire prevention measures and train personnel accordingly;

(9) Accept on-campus records and reports from new or expanding projects, and assist in fire design reviews and pre-operation approvals;

(10) Maintain fire protection files and safety hazard records;

(11) Report relevant data as required;

(12) Assist fire departments in investigating and handling fire accidents and related aftermath.

Article 11 Secondary units and resident schools shall perform the following fire safety duties:

(1) Implement the school’s fire safety regulations and formulate internal fire safety systems;

(2) Establish a fire safety evaluation and reward/punishment system;

(3) Conduct regular fire safety education, training, and drills;

(4) Carry out regular fire inspections and eliminate hazards;

(5) Allocate and maintain fire-fighting facilities and equipment;

(6) Install safety evacuation signs and emergency lighting, ensuring unobstructed exits;

(7) Equip the fire control room with watch personnel and maintain duty logs;

(8) Report new construction, expansion, or renovation projects to the fire control agency;

(9) Handle fire accidents according to procedures;

(10) Perform other fire safety duties stipulated by the school.

Article 12 The main person in charge of each unit is the responsible person for that unit's fire safety and is accountable for its fire safety work.

Article 13 In addition to the duties outlined in Article 11, the student dormitory management department shall also perform the following safety management responsibilities:

(1) Establish voluntary fire protection organizations among students and conduct regular fire drills;

(2) Strengthen fire and electrical safety education and inspections in dormitories;

(3) Conduct nighttime fire inspections and immediately organize evacuations if a fire is discovered.

Chapter III Fire Safety Management

Article 14 Schools shall list the following units (areas) as key fire safety units (sites):

(1) Student dormitories, canteens, teaching buildings, hospitals, stadiums, conference halls, supermarkets, hotels, kindergartens, etc., which are high-traffic areas;

(2) Media departments, postal services, communication centers, and financial institutions within schools;

(3) Garages, oil depots, gas stations, and similar areas;

(4) Libraries, exhibition halls, archives, museums, and ancient buildings;

(5) Water, power, gas, and heating systems;

(6) Production, storage, and use of flammable and explosive chemicals;

(7) Laboratories, computer rooms, audiovisual teaching centers, and monitoring centers;

(8) Critical confidential areas;

(9) High-rise buildings and basements;

(10) Construction sites and temporary living quarters;

(11) Other areas with high fire risks that could cause significant harm.

Key units and positions shall comply with fire safety regulations, set up fire prevention signs, and implement strict fire safety management.

Article 15 For large-scale events such as cultural performances, sports events, assemblies, and recruitment consultations held in schools, organizers must designate a fire safety officer, clarify responsibilities, ensure adequate fire facilities, and meet fire standards. They must also develop fire prevention and evacuation plans and conduct drills. After passing field fire inspections by the fire control agency, the event may proceed.

Such events must be reported to local government departments for approval before being held.

Article 16 Schools shall allocate fire-fighting facilities and equipment in accordance with national regulations, install evacuation signs and emergency lighting, and conduct annual inspections and maintenance to ensure their functionality.

Schools must keep evacuation routes, safety exits, and access for fire vehicles clear.

Article 17 When conducting new construction, reconstruction, expansion, or decoration, schools must strictly follow fire protection regulations and national engineering standards. They must submit construction designs for fire review, inspection, or registration. Fire control agencies must participate in tenders and acceptance of fire protection facilities for all school projects.

The construction unit is responsible for fire safety at the site and must accept supervision from the fire control agency. Upon completion, project drawings, data, and documents must be submitted to the school's archives and fire control agencies for record.

Article 18 Underground and semi-underground buildings, as well as areas used for storing flammable, explosive, toxic, or harmful materials, must not be used as student dormitories. If such areas share a building with student dormitories, they must meet national fire safety standards.

Students' dormitories, classrooms, and auditoriums must not use high-power electrical appliances illegally, and no obstacles that hinder escape or firefighting should be installed on doors, windows, or balconies.

Article 19 Using underground spaces for public activities must comply with state regulations and be reported to the fire control agency for record.

Article 20 Fire control rooms must be staffed with full-time personnel who hold valid certificates.

Fire control rooms must not be used for other purposes.

Article 21 Schools that purchase, store, use, or destroy flammable, explosive, or other dangerous goods must strictly manage and regulate their operations in accordance with national regulations, and develop emergency preparedness plans and preventive measures. Personnel managing and operating such goods must receive training and hold certifications.

Article 22 Schools must exercise strict fire safety management over open flames. Smoking and open flames are prohibited in high-risk areas. For special reasons such as welding or cutting, the school fire control agency must be notified, and proper safety measures must be taken. Operators must comply with fire safety regulations.

Article 23 When renting a house in a school, both parties must sign a lease agreement specifying fire safety responsibilities. The lessor is responsible for fire safety management of the rental property, and authorized school units must strengthen supervision and inspection.

The fire safety management of migrant workers is the responsibility of the employer within the school.

Article 24 In the event of a fire, the school must promptly report the alarm, activate the emergency plan, save lives early, and evacuate people quickly. The school must report the fire accident to the local education authority within two hours. Major fires must also be reported to the Ministry of Education.

After the fire is extinguished, the accident unit must protect the scene, cooperate with the fire department in the investigation, and not clean up the scene without permission.

Article 25 Schools and their key units must establish and improve fire control files. Firefighting files should reflect fire safety and management, and be updated as circumstances change.

Chapter IV Fire Safety Inspections and Rectifications

Article 26 Schools must conduct at least one fire safety inspection every quarter. The main content includes:

(a) Fire safety education and training;

(b) Implementation of fire safety systems and responsibilities;

(c) Establishment and improvement of fire safety records;

(d) Implementation and recording of fire prevention and daily inspections;

(e) Rectification of fire hazards and preventive measures;

(f) Allocation and condition of fire-fighting facilities and equipment;

(g) Development and organization of fire extinguishing and evacuation plans and fire drill information;

(h) Other items that need to be checked.

Article 27 Fire safety inspections must be documented. Inspectors, unit representatives, or relevant personnel must sign the inspection records. If a fire hazard is found, a "Notice of Rectification of Fire Hazards" must be issued promptly.

Article 28 Each school unit must conduct at least one fire inspection per month. The main contents include:

(1) Status of fire hazard rectification and preventive measures;

(2) Evacuation routes, signs, emergency lighting, and safety exits;

(3) Fire truck access and water sources;

(4) Allocation and effectiveness of fire-fighting facilities and equipment;

(5) Setting and effectiveness of fire safety signs;

(6) Any violations of fire or electricity regulations;

(7) Knowledge of fire control among key workers and other employees;

(8) Management of key fire safety units;

(9) Implementation of fire and explosion prevention measures for flammable and explosive materials;

(10) Duty status and operation of fire control rooms and facilities;

(11) Implementation and recording of fire inspections;

(12) Other items that need to be checked.

Fire inspections must be documented. Inspection personnel and their supervisors must sign the records.

Article 29 Fire safety key units (sites) must conduct daily fire inspections, determining personnel, content, locations, and frequency. Other units may conduct inspections as needed. The inspections mainly include:

(1) Whether there are any violations of fire or electricity regulations;

(2) Whether safety exits and evacuation routes are unobstructed, and whether safety signs and emergency lighting are in good condition;

(3) Whether fire-fighting facilities, equipment, and safety signs are in place and complete;

(4) Whether normally closed fire doors are closed and whether items are stacked under fire shutters that affect their use;

(5) Status of personnel in key fire safety positions;

(6) Other fire safety situations.

School hospitals, student dormitories, public classrooms, laboratories, and ancient buildings must strengthen night-time fire inspections.

Fire inspectors must promptly correct violations, properly dispose of fire hazards, and report any unresolved issues immediately. Fires must be reported to the police, and evacuations and rescues must be organized promptly.

Fire inspections must be completed with records. Inspectors and their supervisors must sign the records.

Article 30 Inspectors must instruct relevant personnel to correct and supervise the implementation of the following fire safety violations:

(1) Non-compliance with national or industry standards in the configuration and setting of fire-fighting facilities or safety signs, or failure to maintain them intact and effective;

(2) Damage, misappropriation, or unauthorized removal of fire-fighting facilities or equipment;

(3) Occupying, blocking, or obstructing fire exits and safety exits;

(4) Burying, occupying, or blocking fire hydrants or fireproof spacing;

(5) Occupying, blocking, or obstructing fire engine access roads;

(6) Installing obstacles on doors and windows of crowded places that affect escape or firefighting;

(7) Normally closed fire doors left open or items stacked under fire shutters that affect their use;

(8) Unauthorized entry into flammable and explosive material production or storage areas;

(9) Using open flames or smoking in high-risk areas in violation of regulations;

(10) Fire facility managers, on-duty personnel, and fire inspectors being absent from their posts;

(11) Failure to eliminate fire hazards after being notified by the fire control agency;

(12) Other violations of fire safety regulations.

Article 31 Schools must promptly check and eliminate all fire hazards identified by the education administration, public security fire control agencies, or police stations.

If ordered to rectify fire hazards within a time limit by the public security fire control agency or police station, the school must do so within the specified period.

Article 32 If fire hazards cannot be eliminated immediately, the responsible entity must report to the fire safety manager or relevant leaders, propose a rectification plan, determine measures, deadlines, and responsible departments, and implement funds for rectification.

If the hazard has not been resolved, preventive measures must be taken to ensure fire safety. If a fire hazard poses an immediate threat, the dangerous area or business must be stopped.

Article 33 Schools must promptly report to their superiors or local governments regarding major fire hazards that cannot be resolved due to urban planning or layout issues.

Article 34 After completing the rectification of fire hazards, the rectifying unit must submit the records to the corresponding fire safety personnel or supervisor for signature and filing for future reference.

Chapter V Fire Safety Education and Training

Article 35 Schools must incorporate fire safety education and training for teachers and students into their annual fire safety work plan.

The main content of fire safety education and training includes:

(1) National fire protection policies, laws, and regulations;

(2) Fire risks and prevention measures for the unit and position;

(3) Performance of fire-fighting facilities and use of equipment;

(4) Fire alarms, initial fire fighting, and self-rescue and mutual rescue skills;

(5) Evacuation methods for people present.

Article 36 Schools must take the following measures to provide students with fire safety education, enabling them to learn about fire prevention and extinguishing, master alarm procedures, initial fire fighting, and self-rescue and escape techniques:

(1) Conduct simulation exercises for self-rescue and evacuation, organizing at least one student fire drill per academic year;

(2) Incorporate fire safety knowledge into teaching and training content as needed;

(3) Provide not less than 4 hours of fire safety education for each new student;

(4) Train students entering the laboratory on necessary safety skills and operating procedures;

(5) Hold at least one fire safety seminar per school year and set up fire safety education sections on the campus network, radio, and school newspapers.

Article 37 Secondary units must organize fire safety training for employees who are newly hired or taking up new posts.

Fire safety key units must conduct at least one fire safety training session per year for employees.

Article 38 The following personnel must receive fire safety training in accordance with the law:

(1) Fire safety officers and managers of schools and secondary units;

(2) Full-time fire management personnel and student dormitory management personnel;

(3) Duty personnel and operators of fire control rooms;

(4) Other personnel who must receive fire safety training according to regulations.

Personnel mentioned in paragraph (3) must hold valid certificates.

Chapter VI Fire Fighting, Emergency Evacuation Plans, and Drills

Article 39 Schools, secondary units, and key fire safety units must develop corresponding fire extinguishing and emergency evacuation plans, establish emergency response mechanisms, and provide personnel and equipment for fire fighting and emergency rescue.

The fire extinguishing and emergency evacuation plan must include the following elements:

(1) Organizations: Command Coordination Group, Fire Fighting Action Team, Communication Liaison Group, Evacuation Guidance Team, Security Protection and Ambulance Team;

(2) Alarm and alarm handling procedures;

(3) Procedures and measures for emergency evacuation;

(4) Procedures and measures for fighting initial fires;

(5) Communication, security, and rescue procedures;

(6) Other matters that need clarification.

Article 40 School laboratories must develop emergency plans for incidents, including the types, nature, quantity, risks, and countermeasures of biological, chemical, flammable, and explosive materials involved in emergency response. The name, origin, and reserves of the drugs must be reported to the fire control agency for record.

Article 41 Key fire safety units in schools must organize fire drills at least once every six months in accordance with pre-planned fire extinguishing and emergency evacuation plans, and continuously improve the plans based on actual conditions.

Fire drills must be clearly marked, and people in the drill area must be informed in advance to avoid accidents.

Chapter VII Fire Fighting Funds

Article 42 Schools must include fire fighting funds in the annual school budget, ensure investment in fire fighting, and meet the needs of fire fighting work.

Article 43 Daily fire fighting funds must be used for the deployment, maintenance, and updating of fire fighting equipment, standby facilities and materials for fire fighting and emergency evacuation plans, and fire safety education and training to ensure the normal development of school fire fighting work.

Article 44 Schools must arrange special funds for solving fire hazards, repairing, testing, and transforming fire fighting water supply networks, fire fighting water systems, fire extinguishing systems, automatic alarm systems, smoke prevention and control systems, fire communication systems, and fire monitoring systems, among other fire fighting facilities.

Article 45 The use of fire fighting funds must follow the principles of special funds, overall consideration, focus on key points, and thrift.

No unit or individual may occupy or embezzle fire fighting funds.

Chapter VIII Awards and Punishments

Article 46 Schools must include fire safety work in the assessment content of the school and reward units and individuals who have achieved outstanding results in fire safety work.

Article 47 If a school fails to perform its fire safety duties, violates fire safety management systems, or misuses, damages, or destroys fire-fighting equipment or facilities without violating fire safety regulations, the school must be ordered to rectify within a time limit and be publicly criticized. Directly responsible supervisors and other directly responsible personnel must be given warnings or other disciplinary actions based on the severity of the situation.

If the preceding paragraph involves civil losses or damages, the relevant responsible units and individuals must bear civil liability according to law.

Article 48 If a school violates fire safety regulations or causes a major fire, the education administrative department shall, in addition to punishing it in accordance with the provisions of the Fire Protection Law, cancel its qualification for the year of appraisal, and punish it according to relevant national personnel regulations.

Chapter IX Supplementary Provisions

Article 49 Schools shall, in accordance with these regulations and based on their own conditions, formulate fire safety management measures for the school.

Fire safety management for higher education institutions other than colleges and universities shall be implemented by reference to these regulations.

Article 50 The secondary school units referred to in these regulations shall include colleges, departments, offices, institutes, and centers.

Article 51 These regulations shall come into force on January 1, 2010.