Fire prevention

Minimising the chances of a fire starting is recognised as the most effective way of protecting people and premises from fire. Staff and contractors should therefore:

  • Not store combustible material near sources of heat or electricity.
  • Not overload electrical circuits or use equipment that appears to be faulty or damaged.
  • Switch off unwanted electrical equipment.
  • Not smoke in the building.
  • Not bring highly flammable materials into the building.
  • Comply with security precautions (to minimise the risk of arson).
  • Keep their work area as tidy as possible.
  • Report any unsafe condition immediately to the Facilities Department.

General fire safety

Staff and contractors must not:

  • Block fire exits.
  • Restrict the width of the escape routes through storage of miscellaneous items.
  • Move furniture etc.
  • Store combustible material in fire escape routes.
  • Obscure or hinder access to fire extinguishers and manual call points.
  • Obscure safety signs.

Action on discovery of fire

On discovering fire, staff and contractors should:

  • Immediately go to the nearest fire exit.
  • Operate the fire alarm call point (located by/in all fire exits).
  • Exit the building at a safe (walking) pace.
  • Call the Fire Brigade on 999 from the nearest phone.
  • Note – Only those staff trained in the use of fire fighting appliances should attack the fire when they are confident the fire can be controlled quickly without involving personal risk and while maintaining their means of escape at all times.

Action on hearing the fire alarm

On hearing the alarm staff and contractors should:

  • Use the nearest available exit (main stairs, back stairs) immediately at a walking pace.
  • Leave the building and report to the Floor Fire Marshal at the assembly point, which is outside the building immediately.
  • Not use the lifts that may break down due to power failure.
  • Not stop to collect personal belongings.
  • Close doors behind them when appropriate.
  • Only re-enter the building when told it is safe to do so by the incident controller.