University of Essex Evacuation Policy

This policy is designed to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, fast and safe evacuation of University premises in the event of an emergency. All staff, students, contractors and visitors are expected to comply.

Persons will be notified of the requirement to evacuate by operation of the Fire Alarm. This will prevent panic and ensure an orderly and controlled evacuation. On hearing the alarm, all persons must leave the affected area and proceed to the designated Assembly Point or Points for that zone. These Assembly Points will be identified to staff on induction to Departments and Sections and noted on the Fire Alarm Call point signs.

Disabled staff and students have different arrangements. Anyone with a temporary problem should contact the Safety Office. Disabled visitors are the responsibility of those they are visiting. Advice should be sought, on each occasion, from the Safety Office or Information Desk.

Designated Evacuation Stewards, or their deputies, will check, as far as reasonably practicable, that areas are clear of people. They will then report to the appropriate manager at the Assembly point and assist patrol staff in preventing re-entry.

Designated managers, or their deputies, will account for their staff, students and visitors at the Assembly Point. They will then report to the senior patrol staff attending the Assembly Point so that they can pass the information to the Fire Service. Patrol Staff will attend the area of the alarm. Their main responsibilities are to assist with the evacuation of disabled persons where appropriate, liaise with and assist the Fire Service, prevent re-entry into affected areas.

Anyone who suspects that there may be a person remaining in a fire or smoke affected area should report this directly to the Patrol Staff or Fire Service without delay. This may be done by telephoning extn. 2222 or in person. They should then report it to the Senior Manager.

Persons suspected of remaining in unaffected areas of an alarm zone should be reported to the Evacuation Steward whilst leaving or the Senior Manager at the assembly point. Unless there are mitigating circumstances for the non-compliance, disciplinary action may be taken later.

The Patrol Staff, Fire Officer, Safety Officer or Fire Service will notify people at the assembly points when it is safe to re-enter or any further action required.

Departments or Sections may choose to operate a system to account for staff, students or visitors by having them book in and out. Any such system will reduce the time to be taken by the Evacuation steward, increasing safety. It is expected that such systems will be implemented wherever reasonably practicable.