Fire Procedure

1. On finding a fire:

(updated 22/07/15)

  • Raise the alarm by activating the nearest break-glass point.
  • During 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, the Reception Staff will call 4141 to confirm that the fire alarm has been activated.
  • Outwith these hours:
    • From a safe area, call 4141 on any internal phone (or, if the only safe area is outside the building, call 999 on an external/mobile phone) and clearly state that a fire is in progress.
    • State the precise location of the fire and the presence of any known special hazards.
    • Give your name and telephone number.
    • Wait for confirmation that your message has been understood.
  • If it is safe to do so without danger to yourself, tackle the fire with a fire extinguisher. Leave yourself a clear means of escape.
  • If the fire is out of control: if possible, shut the door of the room; leave the building by the nearest available exit; assemble at your pre-determined assembly point. Do not use the lifts.
  • Report to a Fire Warden or Marshal (individuals wearing bright yellow or orange jackets) and give them information about the site of the fire and any special hazards which may be involved. If outwith normal working hours report directly to the Fire Brigade.

2. On hearing the alarm:

  • Switch off sources of ignition.
  • Leave the building by the nearest available exit and assemble at your pre-determined assembly point (listed below). Do not use the lifts. If outwith normal working hours, do not stand alone at a remote assembly point; join other members of staff (if any) at an assembly point in view of the Fire Brigade.
  • Do not impede the Fire Brigade by standing on the roadways or at the building entrances/exits.
  • If you have any relevant information, e.g. information about the location/nature of the fire or if you suspect someone is still in the building, report to a Fire Warden or Fire Marshal (individuals wearing bright yellow or orange jackets). If outwith normal working hours report directly to the Fire Brigade.

A NOTE ABOUT SLS RESEARCH COMPLEX FIRE ZONES AND EVACUATION ROUTES
The SLS research complex is divided into SIX zones (MSI, WTB, DC, JBC, Atrium Street & WTB/JBC Link - see here). Note that the MSI zone includes all areas to the west of the WTB atrium.

In the event of a single detector-triggered alarm in one zone, the adjacent zone(s) also go into alarm, but all other areas remain silent. In the event that more than one detector is triggered or a red break glass is pressed, the alarm sounds in all areas.


3. Re-entering the premises:

Do not enter the building until the "all clear" has been given by a Fire Warden or Marshal or the Fire Brigade. The alarm ceasing to sound does not signify "all clear"; wait for verbal instructions.


4. Assembly Points:


5. Fire Drills

Fire drills will be undertaken annually. A fire drill will also take place at any time when significant changes to the structure or layout of a building occurs such that the ability of staff to evacuate in an emergency could be affected and needs to be verified.

6. General Fire Safety

For general fire safety information (including safe use of naked flames, how to use fire extinguishers, etc), please see the basic fire safety web page.