Fire Safety
UT Southwestern is committed to protecting the safety of those who work on, study at, or visit the campus, and safeguarding the resources under its stewardship. UT Southwestern works to maintain a campus that is free of recognized hazards and in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal safety codes, as well as safety best practices.
UT Southwestern complies with the fire and life safety standards and recommendations currently adopted by the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office, as they may be amended from time to time. While UT Southwestern, by virtue of being a state agency, is not covered by the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1970 or the rules and regulations enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), UT Southwestern refers to standards adopted by the Texas Department of State Health Services that reference OSHA in assessing and managing risks and improving safety practices and operations.
The Office of Safety and Business Continuity, working in coordination with the applicable safety committees, is responsible for ensuring compliance with these standards and best practices. Safety and Business Continuity conducts periodic safety inspections of campus facilities and construction sites to ensure compliance with safety standards, in order to prevent injuries on campus and improve safe work practices and operations. Deficiencies and corrective actions identified through the inspection process are reported to appropriate department or center personnel, along with the appropriate campus safety committee.