University of Essex Evacuation Policy

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

The requirement to evacuate a building will be communicated by operation of the Fire Alarm sounders augmented with flashing beacons in some corridors and large rooms. Managers, teaching staff and people organising events or meetings are responsible for ensuring people under their control evacuate immediately. All persons should act as directed: see http://www.essex.ac.uk/OHSAS/fireSafety/EmergencyAction.htm

Disabled visitors are the responsibility of those they are visiting; advice should be sought, on each occasion, from the Health and Safety Advisory Service or the Information Centre. Disabled staff and students should have a PEEP, see http://www.essex.ac.uk/ohsas/fireSafety/peep.htm. Specialist equipment (evacuation chairs etc) with trained operators are provided where necessary.

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.

Designated Evacuation Stewards will check, as far as reasonably practicable, that areas are clear of people. They will then report to the most senior manager at the Assembly Point. The most senior manager will then report to the Patrol Staff/Security/Manager of the Assembly Point who will pass the information to the Fire Service.

Patrol Staff / Security or a designated person will attend the area of the alarm. Their main responsibilities are to establish the cause, liaise with and assist the Fire Service and prevent re-entry into affected areas. Staff may be required to assist as necessary.

The member of staff tasked with investigating the cause of the alarm, or the Fire Service if in attendance, will notify people at the assembly points when it is safe to re-enter or of any further action required.