Fire Precautions - EECE Merz Court.

Periodic fire drills are held in this building. It is appreciated that they may be inconvenient, but there is a clear need to hold practice evacuations of any building. We appeal for the cooperation of all staff, students and visitors in making these exercises worthwhile.

  1. WHEN THE ALARM BELL SOUNDS YOU MUST LEAVE THE BUILDING VIA THE NEAREST EXIT and assemble at the designated fire assembly point on the grassed area between Merz Court and Claremont Tower, next to the Courtyard Refectory. Do not congregate on or under the ‘bridge’ at the front of Merz Court or in the inner courtyard or on the brick road between Merz Court and Claremont Tower as this may be used for access by the emergency services. Once outside you will either be directed to leave the area of the building, or be given the "all clear" to re-enter.

    During working hours the fire wardens will check that the building is clear: however, do not wait for the wardens to arrive before starting to make your way out. AT ALL TIMES DURING AN EVACUATION YOU MUST FOLLOW THE FIRE WARDENS INSTRUCTIONS.

    Outside of working hours you must take responsibility and leave the building promptly
  2. STAFF WHO ARE LECTURING are asked to assume responsibility for conducting their class outside. Other staff and students must immediately make their own way out by the nearest staircase.

    DO NOT USE THE LIFTS
  3. POINTS TO WATCH
    1. You are encouraged to make known, to either the School's Safety Officer or Fire Marshall, any physical challenge that you have that may hinder your prompt evacuation so that appropriate arrangements can be made for your safety during an evacuation.
    2. Make sure that all doors and windows are shut before you leave your rooms; fires spread quickly with fresh air and no barriers
    3. Walk briskly, but do not run.
    4. Do not use the lifts: if the electricity is cut off, you will be trapped.
  4. IF YOU DISCOVER A FIRE

    IMMEDIATELY ALERT EVERYONE IN THE VICINITY BY SHOUTING 'FIRE' AND SOUNDING THE NEAREST ALARM BY BREAKING THE GLASS AT A RED FIRE ALARM POINT.

    Only then, and only if the fire is small, localised, and can be tackled without danger, use an appropriate fire extinguisher, but always remember the following points:

    1. Make sure that your escape route is clear before tackling any fire.
    2. DO NOT USE WATER ON ELECTRICAL FIRES.
    3. IF IN DOUBT, GET OUT!
  5. AT ALL TIMES

    Note where the alarm points, hydrants and extinguishers are to be found. Get to know the building and the various escape routes
  6. BELL TESTS

    The fire Bells in Merz Court are tested each week for 15 seconds currently on a Tuesday at around 9.00a.m. If you happen to observe a bell which is not ringing clearly during this short test, please note its position and report the fault to the school office or to one of the Safety Officers.

February 2006