For Immediate Release
Thursday, February 01, 2001
Serious Fire Hazards Cited at the Library of Congress
WASHINGTON —Multiple fire hazards at the Library of Congress pose a "serious potential threat" to human life and to the valuable Library collections, according to a report issued by the congressional Office of Compliance.
"Some of the most valuable and irreplaceable collections in the Library have the worst fire protection," said the watchdog agency responsible for making sure that Congress complies with the nation's health and safety laws. The report follows a complaint filed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, (AFSCME) Local 2910 in April 1999. The complaint called for a re-evaluation of the Library of Congress' emergency and fire safety procedures.
"After years of filing grievances and testifying before Congress about fire hazards, we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel," said Saul Schniderman, president of AFSCME Local 2910. "The Library of Congress must act expeditiously to correct these hazards. The lives and safety of the staff and visitors are paramount."
The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world and employs over 4,500. Using guidelines established by the National Fire Protection Agency, the Office of Compliance identified inadequate fire barriers, exit signs, deficient smoke detectors, emergency lighting, and dangerous storage of flammable and toxic materials. The Library's Jefferson Building was completed in 1897 and is a National Historic Landmark.
AFSCME 2910 is the Library of Congress Professional Guild.
For copies of the "Report on Fire Safety Inspections in Library of Congress Buildings conducted under the Congressional Accountability Act," call the Office of Compliance, 202-724-9250.
