Safety
Health, Safety, and Sanitation[back to top]
Corridor and enclosed stairway doors that are considered fire doors are not to be obstructed, blocked or propped open. Students are expected to maintain their living areas, including kitchens and bathrooms, in a safe and sanitary condition. Obstructions, fire hazards, and unsanitary conditions can affect the comfort and safety of all residents. If these standards are not maintained, the House Manager may have the area cleaned. Any special cleaning required to maintain safety and sanitary conditions will be billed to the appropriate residents of the House. In extreme conditions, the Manager may close a kitchen if unsanitary conditions continually prevail. The Cambridge Health Code prohibits cooking in student rooms [including the use of microwaves, toaster ovens, hot plates, etc.]. City inspectors have the authority to close a House for flagrant and continual violations.
Fire Safety [back to top]
The following are considered serious offenses under Massachusetts law and MIT regulations and can result in severe disciplinary action and/or possible arrest and criminal charges: setting fires; tampering with fire fighting equipment, fire-alarm systems, fire protection sprinklers, or smoke detectors; turning in false alarms; making a bomb threat; or refusing to evacuate during a fire alarm. Open flames, candles and/or incense are prohibited.
The use of flammable decorations, including natural evergreens, in any room, corridor, stairwell, lounge, dining hall, lobby and other public areas is prohibited by Massachusetts fire laws. The use of non-flammable decorations must be approved by the House Manager. No objects may be placed in any exit or on fire escapes. Residents are not permitted on the roofs of any House, except in designated areas approved for assembly use [e.g., approved roof decks and terraces]. Use of fireplaces must comply with MIT guidelines.
More information regarding fire safety in Housing, please visit: http://web.mit.edu/housing/firesafety/information.html
Dangerous Objects/Chemicals (Biohazard-Radioactive)[back to top]
The possession, manufacture, storage, or use of hazardous materials in the Houses is forbidden. Hazardous materials include but are not limited to: hazardous chemicals, biohazardous material, radioactive substances, lasers (class 3b or class 4), explosives, and ammunition. Detonation of firecrackers or other explosives or the throwing of missiles of any kind from within the Houses is forbidden. Firecrackers are considered to be Class C Explosives in Massachusetts, for which a State license is required to possess or handle. The use of charcoal lighter fluid and gasoline within a House is forbidden. Gasoline engines and all flammable-liquid and flammable-gas powered vehicles, devices, and containers are not permitted within a House. The storage or use of flammables and accelerants such as gas grills, hibachis or charcoal grills is strictly forbidden.
Contact the Environment, Health, & Safety (EHS) Office at 617.253.3477 if you have any questions concerning the above restrictions on hazardous materials.
Propane [back to top]
Due to safety concerns, the use of propane cooking equipment on MIT Housing property is prohibited. Safer alternatives include electric grills, charcoal grills and house kitchens. Exceptions to this policy are rare and require permission from the DSL Environmental, Health, and Safety Program Manager in conjunction with the Cambridge Fire Department, and require at least two weeks advance notice and a detailed proposal including safety precautions. In general, exceptions may only be granted if propane equipment is operated by professional caterers, under the supervision of a licensed plumber and in the presence of a detail from the Cambridge Fire Department.
Gas Cylinders (liquid nitrogen, helium, nitrous oxide, etc.)
The possession, storage, or use of any gas cylinder in the Houses is not permitted, with rare exception under the guidance and approval of the DSL Environment, Health and Safety Coordinator, Debbie Sorocco, (dsorocco@mit.edu) in conjunction with the Housing Office.
MIT Procurement Policy prohibits the delivery of gas cylinders and other hazardous materials to residences, so any attempt to purchase these materials will result in order cancellation, confiscation of cylinders, and potential disciplinary action if it has not been previously approved by EHS:
Requisitions For Hazardous Or Dangerous Materials – Processing Procedures
Nitrous Oxide Gas
The possession, storage, or use of nitrous oxide in Housing is forbidden without exception. Because nitrous oxide can be abused as an inhalant, residents who are found with this substance may be subject to disciplinary action as stated in the MIT Standards of Conduct.
