Arkansas Tech University has closed the theatre workshop located in its Techionery building effective immediately due to safety concerns cited in a report by the Russellville Fire Department.
The report, which was filed by Russellville Fire Marshal Richard Setian following a routine inspection of the facility at 1502 North El Paso Avenue on Friday, Sept. 9, states that “it is evident there may be increased risk to the safety of (Arkansas Tech University) students, faculty and the public with the continued utilization of this facility in its current state.”
Among the issues cited in the report were an obstructed doorway, improper storage of combustible materials, inadequate handrails for the mezzanine access and stage, inoperable backup lighting in the event of a power failure, excessive temporary and substandard wiring and evidence of welding performed under conditions that do not meet the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code.
“Arkansas Tech University partners with the Russellville Fire Department to perform routine inspections of every building on our campus,” said David Moseley, Arkansas Tech senior vice president for administration and finance. “The administration of Arkansas Tech University has made proper arrangements to ensure that our students are no longer exposed to the hazards noted in the Russellville Fire Department’s report.”
Moseley said that Arkansas Tech developed a schematic design and cost estimate for the construction of a new theatre facility on campus approximately 10 years ago, but final agreement was never reached on those plans.
Click here to view a PDF of the Russellville Fire Department report concerning the theatre workshop.
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