Emergency information

Emergency warden procedures

Evacuation Exercises

Evacuation drills will be arranged by Chief or Deputy Fire Warden in conjunction with Heads of School. A complete evacuation exercise should be done at least once a year, to practice the emergency response procedure. A de-briefing is done by Emergency Control Organisation to identify any deficiencies in the procedures and Emergency Plan. Participation in these exercises will assist managers in meeting some of their obligations under the OH&S Act.

Evacuation Procedures

As a general rule, when an evacuation is initiated as a result of a genuine emergency situation or as a drill, the ECO should clear the building by directing staff, students and visitors to their designated assembly area as quickly and calmly as possible. ECO members should then report to the Building Chief Warden advising that their area is cleared, then move to their designated locations and await further instructions from the Building Chief Warden / Security or Emergency Services.

All other staff and students should report to and remain at the designated assembly area until the situation is cleared by the emergency services.

General Safety Requirements

It is recommended that you examine your site on a regular basis utilising the workplace inspection [2] checklist to ensure that:

1. Corridors, aisles and walkways remain clear of obstructions.
2. Exit doors remain clear and unlocked whilst the premises are occupied.
3. Excess quantities of combustible materials are not permitted to accumulate anywhere on the premises.
4. Extra care is taken in the use and the maintenance of heating equipment (ovens, kilns, hair dryers and heaters).
5. There is not an accumulation of litter which may increase the danger of fire.
6. Flammable liquids must be stored in Flammable Liquid Cabinet.
7. The public address system is in working order.
8. Fire and smoke doors are kept shut except during use; self-closing mechanisms are in operational order; doors close automatically and are not being held open with wedges or chocks.
9. Fire stairs are kept clear at all times and are not used for storage
10. All occupants are encouraged to observe the greatest care in the use of naked flames, matches, portable heaters, electrical appliances and other possible sources of ignition. Their immediate surroundings must be kept neat and tidy.
11. Naked flames are not permitted for personal use e.g. Incense sticks or candles, aromatherapy materials etc. These items may be used for legitimate academic purposes, but must have a risk assessment completed.

General Building Information

Building Familiarity

Get to know your building e.g. the location of the gas or electricity shut off valves, who the occupants of the building are, where your emergency exits are located., how effective is the emergency lighting, what type of fire fighting equipment is available in the building.

Emergency Exits

Continuously illuminated exit signs identify emergency exit locations from all sections within the building. These lead directly or indirectly to an open space. (There are two types of exit signs directional with an arrow pointing in the direction of the exit and the exit sign above the actual exit door).

Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting is installed in strategic places throughout the building. In the event of failure of the mains power supply, the emergency light will activate almost instantaneously and last for approximately 90 minutes.

Air Conditioning

Where a facility is equipped with a central air handling system, this system shall shut down when the fire alarm system activates. In general stand-alone split units are NOT connected to the fire alarm system.

Fire Safety Systems & Equipment

The University engages contractors to carry out statutory maintenance on all fire systems and equipment.

Fire Alarm

If the facility is equipped with an automatic fire detection and alarm system, then smoke and thermal detectors will be positioned strategically throughout the building as well as manual call points.

Activation of the automatic fire alarm system will:

1. Notify the Fire Brigade and ANU Security control room;
2. Sound the alarm throughout the building;
3. Shut down air conditioning system and other types of services if required e.g. Gas.

Fire Fighting Equipment

Fire hose reels and portable fire extinguishers are located in easily identifiable locations throughout the building. Know their locations and their suitability for use on various types of fires e.g. electrical, flammable liquids and ordinary combustibles.

Please refer to portable fire extinguisher guide to determine the suitability for use on various types of fire.