SOP_NUMBER: 511.01
TITLE: Fire Safety Policy Statement
REFERENCE_CODE: IVN01-0001
DIVISION: Facilities Division
TOPIC_AREA: Fire Services
EFFECTIVE_DATE: 2023-03-10
WORD_COUNT: 495
POWERDMS_URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/105842
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/511.01/

SUMMARY:
This policy establishes a comprehensive fire prevention program for all Georgia Department of Corrections facilities and offices to protect lives and property from fire hazards. The policy requires facilities to conduct monthly comprehensive fire inspections, weekly safety inspections, train personnel on fire emergency response, develop fire prevention programs, and establish written agreements with local fire departments. The GDC Fire Services and Life Safety Manager oversees the program and reviews all construction and renovation plans for fire code compliance.

KEY_TOPICS: Fire safety, fire prevention, fire inspections, fire protection, life safety, fire codes, NFPA standards, emergency response, fire hazards, fire stations, fire department agreements, facilities management, fire training

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|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Fire Safety Policy Statement|**Policy Name:**Fire Safety Policy Statement|**Policy Name:**Fire Safety Policy Statement|
|**Policy Number:** 511.01|**Effective Date:** 03/10/2023|**Page Number:** 1 of 2|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division<br>|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|


**I.** **Introduction and Summary:**







To establish a fire prevention program to eliminate potential hazards, prevent loss of
life and/or property due to fires and associated life-threatening hazards, and maintain
a safe environment for staff, visitors, and offenders in facilities and offices under the
jurisdiction of the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC).

**II.** **Authority:**

A. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Life Safety Code;


B. Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.): Title 8 - Buildings and Housing

and Title 25 - Fire Protection and Safety;

C. Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 125-2-2-.01(b); and


D. ACA Standards 1-CTA-2A-02, 1-CTA-3C-03, 5-ACI-3B-01, Mandatory; 5-ACI
3B-02, Mandatory; 4-ACRS-1C-10, Mandatory; 4-ACRS-1C-12, Mandatory; and
4-ALDF-1C-08, Mandatory.

**III.** **Definitions:**

None **.**

**IV.** **Statement of Policy and Applicable Procedures:**

A. All facilities and offices managed by GDC shall be required to protect the lives of

staff, visitors, offenders, and property from loss or damage by fire.

B. The GDC Fire Services and Life Safety Manager shall provide technical assistance

to all facilities and offices in establishing a comprehensive fire inspection program,
conducting the required training, and negotiating fire protection agreements with
local jurisdictions.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Fire Safety Policy Statement|**Policy Name:**Fire Safety Policy Statement|**Policy Name:**Fire Safety Policy Statement|
|**Policy Number:** 511.01|**Effective Date:** 03/10/2023|**Page Number:** 1 of 2|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Facilities Division<br>|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|



C. The GDC Fire Services and Life Safety Manager shall review engineered drawings

and plans for compliance with applicable fire codes. This applies to both new
construction and proposed renovation of all facilities and offices under the
jurisdiction of the GDC.

D. The GDC Fire Services and Life Safety Manager shall function as GDC's Fire

Chief and shall have the responsibility for establishing fire stations where needed.

E. Every facility and office shall develop a fire prevention program to eliminate

potential fire hazards and maintain a safe environment for staff, visitors, and
offenders.

F. Every facility and office shall have a monthly comprehensive and thorough

inspection of all buildings by a qualified fire and safety officer to ensure
compliance with NFPA, State law, and GDC standards. There shall be a weekly
fire and safety inspection of each institution by a qualified department staff
member.

G. Every facility and office shall train personnel to react and respond appropriately to

fire and/or emergency situations.

H. Every facility and office shall establish a written fire protection agreement with

the local community's fire department to assure fire protection for the
facility/office, staff, visitors, and offenders.


**V.** **Attachments:** None.

**VI.** **Record Retention of Forms Relevant to this Policy:** None.