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Fire and Evacuation Procedures

Evacuation plans are exhibited in each building and in each classroom of the College. If floor plans have been removed the Estates Office should be notified immediately.

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 Alarm Signals

 An Alert signal is one when the alarm system emits an Intermittent tone.

An Evacuation signal is one when the alarm systems emits a Continuous tone.

Procedure for an Intermittent tone (an alert signal, no immediate danger)

  1. Close and lock all filing cabinets, desks and safes. Secure all sensitive material and valuables;
  2. Standby and await the evacuation signal or an indication that the danger has been eliminated and the situation is safe.

Procedure in the event of a Continuous Alarm

 Employees and Students have a legal obligation to evacuate the building in the event of a Continuous Fire Alarm

  1.  You must cooperate with the Fire Wardens
  2. If you are taking a class at the time of the Alarm, advise students to leave the room in an orderly manner and guide them to the nearest Fire Assembly Point
  3. If you are in a Laboratory or Workshop ensure equipment is powered off and left in a safe state
  4. Do not stop to collect personal belongings
  5. Do not go to the cloakroom
  6. Do not use the lift, always use the stairs
  7. Close all doors you as you leave
  8. If impeded, be aware of alternate routes and be prepared to use them
  9. Assist those who have difficulties with mobility
  10. Report to your designated assembly point and advise your Fire Warden if you are aware of anyone who has not evacuated the building or any other problems you have noticed.
  11. Do not return to the premises unless instructed to do so and on no account whilst the alarms are still activated
  12. Do not leave the campus grounds during an evacuation

 Fire Prevention

 Ensure that any faulty electrical connections are reported immediately to the Estates Office e.g. defective plugs or sockets must be removed from service immediately and repaired promptly.

  1. Use of adapter plugs is not allowed. Where additional power points are required they should be installed by a competent electrician, giving due regard to other electrical equipment using the same circuit. Fuses contained within 13 amp fused plugs must be correctly sized for the electrical load connected. Contact the Building Services Supervisor if you are unsure.
  2. Ensure that heating appliances are used strictly in accordance with specification e.g. the surface of storage heaters should be kept clear.
  3. All boiler rooms, plant rooms, and ventilation grills must be kept clear of combustible waste and rubbish.
  4. Departments receiving goods / equipment must dispose of the associated packing in a responsible manner and not allow same to obstruct work areas / escape routes.
  5. Where combustible materials such as bottled gas, heating oils,  bulk cleaning fluids, chemicals, etc, must be kept on must be kept on college premises, they must be stored in suitable locations and kept under lock and key.
  6. All cooking areas must be kept clear of grease and all grease filters in extractor units must be cleaned weekly.  Deep fat fryers must have their contents replaced before they become a fire hazard. Indicator charts and samples are available from suppliers for this purpose.
  7. It is the responsibility of all staff using college accommodation to inspect their classroom / office / laboratory, particularly at the end of the working day, for possible fire hazards.
  8. All external contractors are required to comply with the Sligo IT: Permit to Work System when they are engaged in activities involving open flames or producing heat / sparks: This includes Brazing, Cutting, Grinding, Soldering, Torch Applied Roofing and Welding.

Good Practice  

Management, staff, and students must be fully aware of their duties and responsibilities in relation to evacuation procedures.

  1. The fire brigade should always be called to a fire. This should be done immediately on discovery.
  2. The fire brigade should be met on arrival, directed to the fire and provided with the fire safety file detailing locations of electrical switch rooms, gas installations, isolating switches, water mains, location of chemicals / fire hazards and other relevant information. 
  3. Fire safety signs must be prominently displayed. Entrance halls, lobbies or corridors must not be obstructed and escape routes kept clear at all times.
  4. There must always be clear space around heaters.
  5. Chemicals / Cleaning materials must be stored in an appropriate manner with due regard to manufacturer’s instructions and guidance on separation. 
  6. Staff should be particularly vigilant at times of major disruption such as rebuilding or redecoration when escape routes may be temporarily restricted and fire safety equipment misplaced.
  7. Fire wardens should attend the periodic demonstrations on the safe operation of portable     extinguishers.
  8. Fire evacuation safety drills must be held periodically and records of such drills signed, dated and a record kept on file by the Health and Safety Officer

 

IT Sligo is currently in the process of developing detailed Fire and Evacuation Procedures.