Emergency Evacuation Procedure

272 High Holborn

The fire alarm at these premises is a two tone siren and is linked to a monitoring station. When the fire alarm sounds, the fire brigade will be alerted automatically. Instructions for staff and students are detailed below.

On hearing the fire alarm:

All students and staff must leave the building immediately and disperse to areas beyond the traffic lights on either side of the building, if exiting from the front. They will return to the area in 20 minutes following the instructions overleaf. They will only go back in the building if it is safe to do so (as instructed by emergency services).

Fire wardens will sweep the building, and report to the Incident Controller to confirm that their area is clear. If anybody has not evacuated, or is following a PEEP, this information will be given to the Incident Controller.

Disabled staff /students will follow the instructions detailed in their ‘personal emergency evacuation plan’ (PEEP). Usually this will mean a slow exit, or waiting in a refuge point in the lift lobby at the front of the building. A summary of the PEEPS in operation is contained in the Duty Manager’s file on the front desk. Fire wardens will note the location of disabled staff / students whilst sweeping and pass this information to the Incident Manager.

Deaf staff/students will be alerted to the fire alarm by text via the Hearing Fire Alert System and should join the main evacuation without delay. (To join the service, send ‘ualholborn’ to 07860 035 999).

The Incident Manageris in charge of the emergency evacuation, and will liaise with the LFB on their arrival. They will give the ‘fire file’ to the LFB and will receive information from the Fire Wardens. The Incident Manager is always present on site, and can be identified as the leading member of the Facilities Team present. They will be wearing an orange high-vis vest.

Under no circumstances should any staff member attempt to investigate the cause of the fire before evacuating.

Fire Alarm Tests:

  • The fire alarm on this site is tested every Wednesday at 2.30pm

Fire Drills:

  • Planned fire drills on every site will take place once a term. Prior notice will not be given to users
  • The incident controller will record details of each planned evacuation, and review effectiveness with the building H&S Advisor

Individual Responsibilities:

All building users should:

  • Familiarise themselves with the fire exits, escape routes and fire alarm call-points
  • Recognise the sound of the fire alarm
  • Ensure escape routes are kept clear of obstructions
  • Report obstructions, fire hazards or other defects to the building H&S Adviser and Facilities Team

Fire Wardens:

Fire wardens at HH are nominated by departments on each floor have been trained for their role through the mandatory Fire Safety e-learning course. Fire wardens will:

  • Sweep the zone they are in and then evacuate
  • Report to the Incident Manager when they have left the building
  • Tell the Incident Manager what zone they swept, and whether it was clear

Fire wardens do not:

  • Fire wardens are not required to force people to leave. They will ask twice, and then make their own safe exit.
  • Fire wardens will not fight the fire, unless they deem it safe to do so
  • Fire wardens will not stop to assist people who are unable to leave for any reason, however will note their location and report this to the Incident Manager as soon as they are outside.
  • Fire wardens have been given instructions on how to enter a closed room, however must NEVER put themselves in un-necessary danger. If in any doubt, the fire warden will leave the room and report it to the Incident Manager when they have exited.

Evacuation instructions for staff and students

If you see a fire:

  • Sound the alarm immediately by activating a call point:

If you hear the fire alarm:

  • Leave the building immediately by the nearest exit
  • Close doors behind you if it is safe
  • MOVE FAR AWAY FROM THE BUILDING and return in 20 minutes
  • Do not go back inside until instructed by the Incident Manager or Fire Brigade.
  • Do not use the lifts
  • Do not stop to collect personal belongings

Please note that failure to comply with these instructions will result in disciplinary action for students and/or staff, as appropriate.

Key contacts

Role / Name / Phone
Incident Manager / Facilities staff – located at main entrance and wearing orange high vis vest.
Facilities Manager / James Hollingsworth / 8496
Fire Safety Advisor / Phil Burman / 2230
Health and Safety Advisor / Miriam Cooper / 6103

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