1. Purpose & Scope
Fire prevention is essential to ensuring the health and safety of the Santa Clara University community. This policy establishes guidance regarding the use of open flames, candles, and heat-generating appliances.
This policy applies to all Faculty, Staff, Students, and University Visitors in all SCU-owned, leased, or operated facilities.
2. Open Flame & Candle Policy
Strict Prohibitions (Zero-Tolerance Zones)
Candles, incense, or open flames are not permitted in the following areas or conditions:
- SCU-Owned Residence Areas: Absolutely no candles, incense, or open flames are allowed in student housing.
- Proximity to Safety Systems: Placement near heat/smoke detectors or sprinkler heads where rising heat or smoke could trigger an activation.
- Temporary Structures: Under tents, canopies, or membrane structures.
- Unattended Flames: No open flame may ever be left unattended for any period of time.
3. Heat-Generating Appliances Policy
To eliminate electrical fire hazards and the risks associated with usage, the possession or use of the following personal heat-generating appliances is prohibited in all University buildings (including residence halls, offices, and classrooms).
Prohibited Appliances Include (but are not limited to):
- Flameless Heating Devices: Candle warmers, wax melters, hot plates, and plug-in scent/oil warmers.
- Cooking & Beverage Appliances: Immersion heaters, toasters, toaster ovens, and electric griddles (except when installed in designated, university-approved kitchen communal spaces & break rooms)
- For Residence Hall residents, please refer to the Student Handbook and Housing Contracts for applicability.
- Space Heaters: Portable space heaters are strictly prohibited. If an office or workspace has documented heating issues, climate control solutions must be coordinated and approved through SCU Facilities and EHS.
Permitted Exception: Standard office-approved coffee makers (such as Keurig or traditional drip coffee makers) are permitted, provided they feature an automatic shut-off function and are located exclusively in designated breakrooms or kitchenettes.
Approved Use/Exemption Requests & Pre-Approval Requirements
To use candles, open flames, or other heat-generating appliances in non-residential areas (e.g., religious ceremonies, special events), requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and pre-approval must be obtained from the Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) Department. The following safety standards must be met:
|
Requirement |
Specification |
|---|---|
|
Container Stability |
Candles or other heat-generating appliances must be housed in a sturdy, "tip-proof" container designed to resist tipping over, as applicable. |
|
Material |
Containers must be made of non-combustible materials (e.g., tempered glass, ceramic, or metal). |
|
Spill & Flame Control |
If tipped, the container must be capable of fully enclosing the candle, flame, dripping wax, heat, and any additionally associated fire hazards. |
|
Active Monitoring |
A designated, responsible person must be physically present at all times while the flame or appliance is active. |
|
Event Conclusion |
All candles must be completely extinguished and verified cool to the touch at the end of the event. Heat-generating appliances must be de-energized. |
Note: Non-compliance may result in the immediate confiscation of any prohibited candles, open flame sources, or unauthorized heat-generating appliances discovered during these checks. Furthermore, individuals found in violation of this policy may face formal disciplinary action, which includes referrals to Student Conduct for students or Human Resources for faculty and staff.
4. Contact Information
For questions regarding this policy, to request a safety variance, or to report an unsafe condition, please contact:
- Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Department: ehs@scu.edu
- Emergency: Dial 911 (or campus emergency extension) immediately if there is an active fire or immediate hazard.
Additional information regarding Candle Safety is available from the National Candle Association: