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The Bureau of Prisons' Actions Since the Danbury Fire

GGD-81-52 Published: Mar 09, 1981. Publicly Released: Mar 09, 1981.
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Highlights

GAO surveyed the status of the efforts by the Bureau of Prisons to improve the fire safety programs at Federal institutions. A comprehensive effort was initiated by the Bureau after a fatal fire in l977 at the Danbury Federal Correctional Institution. At the same time, GAO performed a limited assessment of the Bureau's overall environmental health program.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Bureau of Prisons The Director of the Bureau of Prisons should direct that all alternate safety officers be fully trained and given the opportunity to gain on-the-job experience so that they will be ready if it becomes necessary to call upon them in emergencies.
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.
Bureau of Prisons The Director of the Bureau of Prisons should improve the ability of trades foremen to contribute to the Bureau's safety program. The foremen need technical training in safety standards and the use of specialized equipment. The Bureau should also (1) disseminate its program statement for safety to all those responsible for implementing it; (2) clarify its position on safety in the workplace; and (3) upgrade its efforts to monitor safety and sanitation conditions in contractor-operated community facilities by developing standards for inspections performed by State and local agencies and requiring that the reports of such inspections be sent to the community program officers.
Closed
Please call 202/512-6100 for additional information.

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Topics

Correctional facilitiesFlammability standardsSafety regulationRail transit safetyFederal prisonsFire safetyCommunitiesHousingWorkersSafety standards