UCL Safety Services
Fire Safety
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
PREMISES FIRE SAFETY HANDBOOK
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
BIDBOROUGH HOUSE
University College London
38 - 50 Bidborough Street, London, WC1H 9BT
Contents
1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................1 2. General Building Description .............................................................................................1 3. Means of Escape (MoE) ....................................................................................................2 4. Fire Alarm .........................................................................................................................3 5. Disability Facilities .............................................................................................................3 6. Fire Evacuation Marshals (FEMs) and Staff Fire Training .................................................3 7. Fire Extinguishers .............................................................................................................4 8. Other information ..............................................................................................................4
1.
Introduction
This short guide is provided basic fire safety information to occupants on moving in to
Bidborough House, as part of the UCL Professional Services relocation.
2.
General Building Description
The premises is an office building arranged on basement, ground and first to fourth
floors with smaller part storeys at level five to seven. The premises were originally
constructed in 1965, but were comprehensively refurbished in 2008 by Camden
council. The site is broadly rectangular with building elevations on both Bidborough
Street and Mabledon Place.
There are two principal staircases; the west stair discharging onto Mabledon Place
(referred to as Stair A for fire purposes), and the main central stair (Stair B) that
discharges onto Bidborough Street via the main entrance. There are a number of
smaller stairs (Stairs C, D E & F) used as other fire escape routes.

General arrangement plans are attached including the Fire Assembly Point
location;
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date Last Amended: May 15
[Doc Ref: EDT-10 Rev 2]
EP: 1 of 9.
Issued by: Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT / fire@ucl.ac.uk
Premises Fire Safety Handbook
Bldg Name: Bidborough House (400)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3.
Means of Escape (MoE)

Ground to fourth floor (west wing) - escape is available by leaving via the
nearest exit to the west stair (Stair A) or the central stair (Stair B);

Ground floor (east wing) - escape is only via the main entrance lobby as there is
no alternative escape route;

First to fourth floor (east wing) - escape is available by leaving via the nearest
exit to the central stair (Stair B) or via the east external stair (Stair C);

Fifth & sixth floors (west wing) - escape is available by leaving via the west stair
(Stair A); an alternative exit route is via external stair (Stair D) from fifth & sixth
floors across the roof walkway to the eastern external stair (Stair C);

Note Stair C (external stair east) - this stair is narrow and discharges onto the
vehicle ramp via a security gate at stair base which is fitted with emergency exit
push pad. Once through the gate proceed to the head of the ramp, use the small
wicket door fitted with escape furniture and discharges through the roller shutter on
to Bidborough Street;

Basement level - escape is via the central stair (Stair B) and exit via the main
entrance. Alternative escape is via the garage and out via the ramp to Bidborough
Street;

Garage level - escape is via the main vehicle ramp and exit directly onto
Bidborough street. Additionally, there is a fire escape from the North West corner
of the garage via Stair E, which leads up to internal courtyard and out onto the
west stair (Stair A) lobby to Mabledon Place;

Basement Plant Area - escape is via the North West corner of the garage using
Stair E, with an alternative route available using Stair F which leads up street
level, discharging directly onto Mabledon Place;

Once at ground level, leave the building and proceed to the ‘Fire Assembly Point’;

Electronic security door release mechanisms - where fitted to doors forming
part of the escape route:
o the locks will release on activation of the fire alarm system;
o each door is provided with an independent ‘break glass’ emergency
release device (green box) in the direction of escape that may be
activated to release the door in an emergency;

Lifts should not be used in the event of the fire alarm sounding;

Emergency & Escape Lighting - emergency escape lighting is provided in large
and specific rooms, all corridors and stair enclosures to illuminate safely the
escape routes from the premises in the event of a ‘Local Lighting Circuit’ failure
(they do not illuminate on the fire alarm sounding). Additionally, there are small
illuminated directional fire exit signs provided.

The ‘Fire Assembly Point’ is located on the pavement opposite John Dodgson
House (UCL Halls of Residence) and adjacent to the Telephone Exchange - see
map attached.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date Last Amended: May 15
EP: 2 of 4.
Issued by: Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT / fire@ucl.ac.uk
Premises Fire Safety Handbook
Bldg Name: Bidborough House (400)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4.
5.
Fire Alarm

Call points - fire alarm ‘manual call points’ are found in routes leading from the
building (including corridors, landings, staircases & final exits), to raise the alarm
manually;

PA system - the building has the Public Address (PA) facility from the main
reception via the fire alarm control panel;

Sounders - fire alarm sounders are formed of a speaker that incorporates a PA
system that gives a two tone electronic alarm plus voice announcement to ‘keep
calm and leave the building’;

Weekly testing of the fire alarm - Tuesday mornings before 10.30 am;
Disability Facilities

Deaf Messaging System (DMS) - a DMS is provided and connected to the fire
alarm system to send out a text message upon fire alarm activation to those who
have opted into the service. Blue information stickers at the entrance to the
building provide the text information and instructions;
o Refuges - are notional refuges are provided on the landings of first to sixth
floors, west stair (Stair A);
o Evacuation Lift - a lift is provided in the west stair (Stair A) which is
suitable to be used by Mobility Impaired Persons (MIP) under a controlled
management process;
o Mobility Impaired Persons (MIP) or Persons with Disabilities Department local management arrangements for MIP and disabled persons
should not rely solely on the Fire & Rescue Service, rescuing people waiting
in refuges but for the Department to have a satisfactory arrangement in
place to assist persons from the building;
o Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) - departmental managers
should review & use the ‘Disable Information Emergency Egress
Assessment & Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)’ available
from www.ucl.ac.uk/fire/documents under ‘Disabled’;
6.
Fire Evacuation Marshals (FEMs) and Staff Fire Training

Fire Evacuation Marshals - as a low risk building and due to new static & agile
working arrangements, we will need to be pragmatic and reasonable flexible in the
location and number of FEMs covering the floor areas.

As a suggestion and guidance but departments will need to review their specific
arrangements by looking at the location of existing FEMs moving from their current
location and review distribution once settled:
o West wing - each level should aim for a minimum of three FEMs
o East wing - each level should aim for a minimum of two FEMS appointed;
o West wing 5th & 6th floors - each floor should have a minimum of two FEMs;
o Suggest, that static staff be trained as FEMs and cover the agile areas;
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date Last Amended: May 15
EP: 3 of 4.
Issued by: Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT / fire@ucl.ac.uk
Premises Fire Safety Handbook
Bldg Name: Bidborough House (400)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Staff Training - UCL Departments must ensure that:
o all staff are adequately trained on initial induction;
o this training is refreshed periodically (3 yearly for Fire Risk Category 2);
o fire evacuation marshals (FEM) are appointed for each floor of the building;
o fire evacuation marshals are suitably trained, including refresher trained
periodically (3 yearly);
o departmental areas and the risks contained therein are managed safely;
o appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure the safe evacuation of
disabled people and MIP;

Fire Drill - a fire drill will held at start of term in October;

Familiarisation Visit - fire safety familiarise of Dept Safety Officers and Senior
FEMS will be available through the Fire Safety Team:

Point of Contact:
Kimon Pantelides GIFireE
Fire Safety Officer
Mobile: 07961 802955
Email: k.pantelides@ucl.ac.uk or fire@ucl.ac.uk
7.
8.
Fire Extinguishers

Extinguishers - a new type of multipurpose 6 litre WATER MIST fire extinguishers
are provided at Bidborough House; with one extinguisher provided by each fire
alarm call point at three locations (by the stairs) on ground to fourth floors and one
each in the basement, fifth, sixth & seventh floors. Additionally, extinguishers have
been provided at other high risk locations;

Fire Blankets - are provided in kitchens and tea points;

Sprinklers - are provided in part of the basement and the garage area only;
Other information

Location and Provision of Lockers (Circulation Areas) - stairs and some
corridors are to remain free of any storage including lockers;

Kitchens and Tea Points:
o Kitchens - are provided off the main stair (Stair B);
o Tea Points - are provided in the west wing adjacent to the exit to the west
stair (Stair A);
o Management of unwanted alarms and fire risks - please see attached
Fire Safety Technical Note TN105A on the definition of kitchens and tea
points and what is permitted within them;
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date Last Amended: May 15
EP: 4 of 4.
Issued by: Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT / fire@ucl.ac.uk
Fire
Action
Bidborough House
38 - 50 Bidborough Street
On discovering a fire - operate the nearest
fire alarm call point.
Dial extension '222' on a UCL internal
telephone giving the building name and
this FIRE ZONE Number - 400
Only attempt to fight the fire, if it is safe
and practical to do so - using the most
appropriate fire extinguisher for the type of
fire you intend to tackle.
Water Mist Extinguishers are safe to use on
Electrical and Flammable Liquid fires.
On hearing the fire alarm - leave the building
by the nearest AVAILABLE FIRE EXIT.
 CLOSE - all doors and windows as you leave.
 Do NOT - stop to collect belongings.
 Do NOT - use the lift.
 Do NOT - re enter the building until instructed to do so
by the Senior Fire Officer present.
When clear of the building - proceed to your
designated FIRE ASSEMBLY POINT at:
Opposite side of road to
John Dodgson House
Issued by: the Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT
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UCL Fire Technical Note No: 027A
Fire Safety Technical
Guide
WATER MIST (6 LITRE) EXTINGUISHER
USER GUIDE
A new type of multipurpose fire extinguisher (Jewell Saffire Ltd E Series) is being
supplies in certain UCL premises located in common areas
Water MIST Fire Extinguisher (6 Litre Size)
Colour
Water Mist
6 Litre Size
Classes of
Fires
Details
Safe to use on Class A fires - this includes wood, textiles,
curtains, furniture & plastics paper and general materials (this
unit has a 13A rating).
Safe to use on Class B fires - the includes flammable liquids
such as petrol, oils, lubricants, paints & waxes in quantities up
to 21 litres in size (this unit has a 21B rating).
Water
Mist
Safe to use on Class F fires - this includes small domestic size
containers of high temperature (360°C+) cooking oils used in
food frying (this unit has a 75F rating).
Safe to use on Live Electrical Fires - always try to isolate the
electrical supply before use. This extinguisher can be used on
live electrical equipment but do not touch the electrical
equipment with the extinguisher (this unit has a 35Kv rating).
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE:
1. Before using and operating this type of fire extinguisher, read instructions
carefully.
2. Ensure that you are positioned between the fire and a safe exit or escape
route.
3. Pull out safety pin firmly (this will be held in by an anti-tamper seal device).
4. Apply the water mist applicator in circular movements over the fire area
keeping out of the smoke and steam produced. Do not touch the electrical
equipment with the extinguisher.
5. If the fire is not extinguished on completion of the extinguisher's contents,
then immediately leave the building by a safe exit closing all doors behind
you ensure alarm has been raised. Call the fire brigade.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date Last Amended: Jan 15
1.
Issued by the - Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT - This guide is to be regarded as a general statement of
UCL local requirements, information or guidance only & supplements relevant British Standards or Manufacturers Instructions etc.
UCL Fire Technical Note No: 105A
Fire Safety Technical
Guide
TEA POINTS / SMALL KITCHEN FOOD &
DRINK PREPARATION - GENERAL FIRE
SAFETY GUIDENCE INFORMATION
1.0. Introduction
1.1.
Food & drink preparation generally involves heating which introduces potential
ignition sources into the workplace. Food & drink preparation must therefore be
confined to designated areas to reduce the risk of fire by separating potential
ignition sources from the significant amounts of combustible materials normally
found in the workplace.
1.2.
Food and drink consumption and preparation is not permitted in science
laboratories, equipment rooms or workshops etc., where other arrangements
should be place for the welfare of staff and students.
1.3.
The following guidance is provided for the Department Heads and their managers,
in respect to control potential ignition sources in tea points, small kitchens and
offices.
2.0. Definitions
•
Office - a room, set of rooms (including lecture theatres, seminar rooms and
teaching areas) or a building used as a place of business for non-manual
work;
•
Tea Point - designed for the small-scale preparation of hot drinks and snacks
in areas close to the workplace (that may not be a separate fire compartment
or have any form of fire safety measures in the immediate area);
•
Kitchens in Departments (Small) - designed for the small-scale preparation
of hot drinks, snacks, light meals in areas close to the workplace (that forms a
small fire compartment and has appropriate fire safety measures, and fire
detection).
3.0. General Management of Hot Drink & Food Preparation Making
Equipment by Departments
3.1.
Office / Working Areas being used for Drink Preparation:
•
In certain circumstances, it may be acceptable to have a small corner of an
office used for the preparation of hot drinks; particularly, if there is a lack of a
fully designated Tea Point/kitchen on the floor or in local area. For general
guidance:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date Last Amended: Jun 14
1.
Issued by the - Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT - This guide is to be regarded as a general statement of
requirements and is in addition to relevant British Standards or any other instructions received from the Local Fire or Building Control Authorities
UCL Fire Technical Note No: 105A
o Do not introduce a drinks prep area in a work room or office, if a local
designated and properly designed Tea Point is available close by;
o If a drink preparation area is located in a room other than designated Tea
Point, care should be taken to ensure that the kettle or coffee maker does
not generate steam in close proximity to the smoke detector(s) within the
room.
™ Note - any unwanted fire evacuations or false alarms caused by these
drink preparation arrangements will necessitate the facilities to be
removed.
™ Microwaves generally permitted - but there may be certain exceptions
in high risk areas’ which are to be discussed on site with Fire Safety
Manager;
o Surfaces and equipment in drink preparation areas must be kept clear of
combustible materials;
o Electric power adapters and extension leads must not be used for drink
and food preparation equipment. Additional fused sockets may be required
through UCL Estates;
o It is recommended that electrical equipment is inspected and is subjected
to an appropriate regime of Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) in
accordance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989;
o Never, leave the tea point / kitchen when you are cooking food, and be
especially careful with microwave ovens, as overheating food or packing
will produce smoke that may activate the fire alarm system.
•
3.2.
Prohibited - items and equipment in OFFICES / WORK AREAS / TEA
POINTS- (these items may only be used in designated kitchens only)
includes:
•
Toasters;
•
Sandwich makers;
•
Cooker hot rings & fat fryers - only permitted in professional /
industrial Refectory or Residents kitchens;
•
Candles - birthday cakes with candles or similar must not be used
anywhere other than within a designated (kitchen are with fire door closed)
as candles blown out in the office or tea points will activate smoke/fire
detection system, causing an unwanted fire evacuation of the building.
Permited Items (Local Departmental Kitchens) - following items may be used in
designated kitchens formed by a fire enclosure fitted with a fire door and heat
detection (not smoke):
•
Toasters;
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date Last Amended: Jun 14
2.
Issued by the - Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT - This guide is to be regarded as a general statement of
requirements and is in addition to relevant British Standards or any other instructions received from the Local Fire or Building Control Authorities
UCL Fire Technical Note No: 105A
3.3.
•
Sandwich makers;
•
Candles - birthday cakes with candles or similar must not be used
anywhere other than within a designated kitchen with fire door closed (as
candles blown out in the office or tea points will activate smoke/fire
detection system, causing an unwanted fire evacuation of the building).
Specifically Prohibite All Areas - with exception of designated professional /
industrial kitchens, such as the Refectory or Student Halls of Residents:
•
Cooker hot rings
•
Fat fryers
NOTE - If in doubt, seek advice though the UCL Fire Safety Manager
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date Last Amended: Jun 14
3.
Issued by the - Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT - This guide is to be regarded as a general statement of
requirements and is in addition to relevant British Standards or any other instructions received from the Local Fire or Building Control Authorities