OU plans construction for cutting-edge Fire Safety Lab

Manufacturing companies have donated more than $275,000 of new and rebuilt fire suppression equipment for a state-of-the-art Fire Safety Laboratory in Oakland University’s Human Health Building.

“When completed, this fire science lab will be the only such lab in the Midwest,” said Dr. Charles McGlothlin, special instructor and program director for OU’s Occupational Safety and Health program. “The addition of the new Fire Safety Laboratory will give our graduates the advantage of experiencing first-hand the capabilities of various fire suppression systems and devices.”

The lab will be able to sustain live burns while providing a close-up understanding and analysis of the operation and effectiveness of fire suppression equipment, devices and system design. Fire code enforcement agencies, government agencies, safety consulting firms, insurance companies and a multitude of manufacturers large and small will be able to use the laboratory to provide training and demonstrations for their employees.

Oakland students enrolled in the Occupational Safety and Health program will be able to utilize the lab to add an emphasis on the science of fire protection to their degree program.

The project is designed and ready to go out to bid once funds are raised for the actual construction of the lab.

“We are working with companies and foundations to generate funding necessary to bring these donated systems to life,” said McGlothlin.

Learn more about the Fire Science Lab and funding opportunities.