As the legally designated authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), the UMB OFM reviews all design documents and construction plans to ensure compliance with the Maryland Fire Prevention Code and University standards. Construction cannot begin until the plans have been approved by the UMB OFM.
As the legally designated AHJ, the UMB OFM performs inspections throughout the construction process and performs acceptance testing for new life safety systems in order to ensure compliance with the Maryland Fire Prevention Code and University standards.
As the legally designated AHJ, the UMB OFM issues the certificate of occupancy once construction activities are complete and life safety systems are approved. New buildings and renovated areas are not permitted to be occupied until after the occupancy permit has been issued.
The UMB OFM provides technical expertise to the University community on matters related to fire, building, and life safety codes. The most common inquiries are related to research involving hazardous materials and building layout modifications.
In collaboration with UMB Police Department and the Department of Operations and Maintenance, the UMB OFM conducts fire drills twice a year in all occupied UMB buildings. Fire drills are unannounced to building occupants and should always be taken as seriously as a true emergency evacuation.
A variety of training opportunities are offered by the UMB OFM, including both formal and informal presentations. Education and training are provided to both internal and external University stakeholders.
The UMB OFM ensures that all life-safety systems are inspected, tested, and maintained as required by Code. The Department of Environmental Health and Safety and the Department of Operations and Maintenance perform some of the ITM work, but the majority is performed by contractors.
UMB OFM employees are designated as the permit authorizing individuals for all hot work activities at UMB. Before any hot work process can occur, which includes welding, heat treating, grinding, thawing pipe, powder-driven fasteners, hot riveting, torch-applied roofing, or any other application that produces or uses sparks, flames, or heat, a hot work permit must be obtained from OFM.
The UMB OFM is a member of the UMB Emergency Management Team and responds and reacts to on-campus emergencies when requested by UMB Police or the Office of Emergency Management.
In collaboration with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Baltimore City Fire Department, and the UMB Police Department, the UMB OFM conducts investigations of all fires that occur on campus to determine their origin and cause.
The UMB OFM is required to be involved with special events that involve temporary structures and tents, large occupant loads, cooking and/or food truck operations, or unique hazards. OFM involvement may consist of plans review and logistics, site inspection, fire watch, and/or crowd control.
