Fire
Action
Russell Square House
(1st & 2nd Floors)
10 - 12 Russell Square
On discovering a fire - operate the nearest
fire alarm call point. Dial Ext: 222 / (9)999
& call the Fire Brigade - your address is:
RUSSELL SQUARE HOUSE
10-12 RUSSELL SQUARE
LONDON, WC1B 5EH
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:
Russell Square Gardens
(or as Directed)
Issued by: Fire Safety Manager, UCL Estates, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT.
EPAM
EMERGENCY EVACUATION
AND
INCIDENT CONTROL PROCEDURES
This document describes the Local Emergency Evacuation and Incident Control Procedures for:-
RUSSELL SQUARE HOUSE
10-12 RUSSELL SQUARE
LONDON
WC1B 5EH
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, EPAM are required to provide written
procedures for dealing with serious and imminent danger.
This document contains general information and specific procedures to be followed for fire and
other incidents.
The procedure follows a clearance process with the Building Management Team (Building Manager,
Front of House Manager, Receptionist or Security Officer) and the Occupiers’ Fire Marshals liaising to
ensure the building is cleared and also to ascertain the location and severity of the incident.
The procedures will differ depending on time of day and therefore all occupiers of the building must
familiarise themselves with the procedures and ensure staff working within their areas are fully
conversant with their duties and responsibilities.
Contents
1) ALL OCCUPIERS – RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES .............................................3
2) SPECIALIST STAFF ........................................................................................4
3) BUILDING MANAGEMENT TEAM .................................................................5
4) FIRE MARSHALS...........................................................................................7
5) FIRST AIDERS ...............................................................................................8
6) INCIDENT CONTROL INFORMATION ............................................................8
7) GENERAL INFORMATION – RUSSELL SQUARE HOUSE ..................................9
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1) ALL OCCUPIERS – RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES
It is the responsibility of all occupiers within the building to ensure the safety of themselves and those with
whom they work. In addition it is a legal requirement that all occupiers are familiar with the emergency
procedures in the event of fire.
All Occupiers should be familiar with:1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The actions to be taken on discovery of a fire and on hearing the alarm.
The location of fire alarm call points within the building and the method of operation.
The location of firefighting equipment within the building and the method of operation.
All escape routes within the building.
The purpose of fire resisting doors and their location within the building.
Evacuation procedures for the building and the location of the assembly point.
A. FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY
All Occupiers should be familiar with the methods of fire prevention as detailed below:1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Should any Occupier consider that something or someone presents a fire risk within the building, they
should report the matter to their Line Manager, a Fire Marshal or a member of the Building Management
Team.
Occupiers should not allow the accumulation of large amounts of combustible materials around
workplaces, escape routes or stairways.
Occupiers should not obstruct fire escapes, fire exits or any fire-related equipment.
Occupiers should not obstruct ventilation grilles on electrical equipment.
Occupiers should ensure that self-closing fire/smoke doors are not wedged in the open position.
Occupiers should observe the smoking policy for the building.
Occupiers should maintain as best as possible a clear desktop (where appropriate) policy to prevent the
rapid spread of fire should it occur.
B. GENERAL DUTIES - FIRE INCIDENT
ACTIONS ON DISCOVERY OF FIRE
1.
Operate the fire alarm by activating the nearest fire alarm call point:-
2.
These points will be located on all floor areas and, if in doubt, adjacent to the fire exit doors from each
floor level.
Tackle the fire with an extinguisher if safe to do so but do not take personal risks. A fire should only be
tackled in the event that the fire is contained ie in the case of a bin fire.
If you cannot contain the fire, close the door to the room or affected area and evacuate the building.
Do not stop to collect personal belongings.
Evacuate to the designated assembly point.
3.
4.
5.
6.
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ACTIONS ON HEARING A CONTINUOUS FIRE ALARM
1.
2.
3.
4.
Evacuate the building via your nearest available fire exit.
Do not stop to collect personal belongings.
Do not use the lifts.
Proceed to your designated assembly point
REMAIN AT THE ASSEMBLY POINT - DO NOT RE-ENTER THE BUILDING UNTIL TOLD TO DO SO BY THE
BUILDING MANAGEMENT TEAM OR FIRE SERVICE IF IN ATTENDANCE
NOBODY SHOULD ENTER THE BUILDING WHEN THE ALARM IS SOUNDING
OUT OF NORMAL OFFICE HOURS
1.
2.
3.
On hearing the fire alarm, evacuate the building immediately via your nearest available fire exit.
Do not rely on assistance as Fire Marshals will generally be unavailable.
Proceed directly to the assembly point.
OUTSIDE NORMAL WORKING HOURS YOU MUST ENSURE THAT THE EMERGENCY SERVICES ARE CALLED
VIA 999 AND CONFIRM ADDRESS AS
RUSSELL SQUARE HOUSE
10-12 RUSSELL SQUARE
LONDON
WC1B 5EH
2) SPECIALIST STAFF
Certain individuals within the site have been designated as Specialist Staff. (These include members of the
Building Management Team and Occupier Fire Marshals.)
These persons form the backbone of the evacuation and incident control procedure and are to ensure that all
areas are evacuated in the event of an emergency and that specific information can be relayed to the
emergency services on their arrival.
All persons designated as Specialist Staff must receive training appropriate to their responsibilities and the
duties they will perform in case of an incident.
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3) BUILDING MANAGEMENT TEAM
The prime function of the Building Management Team is to assess the threat to all Occupiers and co-ordinate
the evacuation or other response to the incident and liaise with the Fire Marshals and the emergency services
on their arrival.
A. RESPONSIBILITIES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
To ensure they have an in-depth knowledge of fire and other safety matters pertaining to the site.
To ensure as far as practicable that fire related equipment is available for use and that fire precautions are
maintained within the workplace.
To ensure as far as is practicable that new staff or where appropriate visitors based within the site have
received a copy of the fire and emergency instructions. In addition all contractors visiting the site should
receive a copy of the fire and emergency instructions. This is particularly pertinent to contractors and staff
working in remote areas. These personnel must be aware of the procedure in the event of the alarm
sounding.
To ensure that specialist staff are fully aware of their duties in the event of an emergency.
To periodically revise the standing fire and emergency procedures for the site and make amendments as
and when necessary.
To arrange meetings and debriefs with all Specialist Staff following incidents and drills.
To attend training sessions as arranged by EPAM.
B. DUTIES
ON HEARING THE FIRE EVACUATION ALARM, THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT TEAM WILL:1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Respond and attend the fire alarm panel identifying the location of the alarm activation. This location will
also be deemed as the Incident Control Point if this area is safe.
Don their high visibility jacket – Coloured Orange.
Immediately contact the fire service if there are obvious signs of fire.
Collate all information from the Fire Marshals regarding the status of their area using the incident control
sheet
In order to investigate the cause of the alarm the Building Management Team responder (when lone
working) will utilise an Occupier’s Fire Marshal to remain at the main fire alarm panel whilst the responder
investigates the scene.
THE RESPONDER MUST LIAISE VIA RADIO OR MOBILE PHONE WHILST PROGRESSING TO THE SITE OF
ACTIVATION AND IMMEDIATELY ON ARRIVAL AT THE SCENE THEY SHOULD CONFIRM IF IT IS A FALSE ALARM
OR A GENUINE INCIDENT.
6.
In order to safe guard the responder, this message must be confirmed within 3 minutes otherwise the
incident will be deemed as genuine and the Fire Brigade must be called.
7.
The Building Management Team or Fire Marshal will phone the Emergency Services if a fire is confirmed or
if there is any uncertainty.
8.
In the event of a false alarm the Building Management Team will silence and reset the fire alarm.
DURING AN INCIDENT, ACCESS TO THE SITE SHOULD BE CLOSED OTHER THAN TO THE EMERGENCY SERVICES.
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THE INCIDENT CONTROL FOLDER SHOULD BE AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES AND WILL CONTAIN A CONTROL SHEET
WITH WHICH THE FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER CAN LOG THE CLEARANCE OF EACH AREA AS THE FIRE
MARSHALS REPORT AND ALSO LOG OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION SUCH AS THE TIME THE ALARM
SOUNDED ETC.
9.
Relay all relevant information to the fire brigade on arrival if called, including location of fire and any
personnel still left within the building.
10. Monitor staff and visitors and ensure good order is maintained at the assembly point.
IF THE INCIDENT IS DEEMED AS A FALSE ALARM THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT TEAM WILL:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Give all clear to Fire Marshals and building Occupiers.
Ensure safe controlled re-occupation of the building.
Ensure the re-setting of the fire alarm.
Ensure all final fire exit doors are re-secured.
Debrief evacuation team.
Complete Fire/Incident Log.
C. OTHER INCIDENTS
The primary consideration of the Building Management Team where there is an actual incident such as a traffic
accident, spillage or other physical incident must be to protect the building Occupiers from danger.
This will generally be achieved by establishing a physical cordon around the danger area to prevent inadvertent
access.
It should be recognised that the collateral impact of an incident can be greater than the initial effect of the
original incident. For example, a chemical spillage may have minor impact on the site, but if it enters the
drainage system, it could have a major impact on the environment.
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4) FIRE MARSHALS
Fire Marshals will be utilised in fire and other incidents.
A. RESPONSIBILITIES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
To ensure they have good knowledge of fire safety matters pertaining to the building.
To ensure that fire related equipment is available for use within their demise and that fire precautions are
maintained in the work place.
To assist in the evacuation of the building, and to report all occurrences whilst carrying out their duties.
To give special consideration to the disabled or temporarily disabled working or visiting their area ensuring
appropriate evacuation methods.
To assist with the training of new staff or visitors in their area.
To attend training sessions provided by their company or the Building Management Team.
B. DUTIES
ON HEARING THE EVACUATION ALARM:
1.
On activation of the fire alarm, Fire Marshals should make themselves recognisable by wearing a form of
identification provided by their company, a high visibility reflective tabard.
2.
They should then instruct staff and visitors to evacuate via their nearest available fire exit.
3.
Staff or visitors refusing to leave for whatever reason should be informed of the situation and if they
continue to refuse, they should be left. On leaving it is imperative that the Fire Marshal makes a note of
the individual, their location and the time they were left ie John Smith refusing to leave, 2nd floor east wing,
at 14.22 Hours.
4.
Staff or visitors with impaired mobility on the upper floors must be moved to a safe area, where they
should remain until all other Occupiers have descended. These Occupiers should then be evacuated, if
required, with assistance following the plan defined within their PEEP (Personal Emergency Evacuation
Plan).
THE SEARCHING OF ALL TOILETS IS ESSENTIAL AND SHOULD BE CONDUCTED IN THE FOLLOWING
MANNER:
1.
On entering the toilets irrespective of gender, Occupiers should be advised to evacuate. If there is no
response from locked cubicles, the doors should be firmly knocked and information given. If there is still
no response the Fire Marshal must vacate having made a note of the location and time ie Ladies toilets 2nd
floor east wing, middle cubicle engaged, no response at 14.22 Hours.
2.
The main objective of the Fire Marshal is to provide effective accurate information to the Building
Management Team as quickly possible regarding the status of their area.
3.
The Fire Marshal will either report that the area is clear or that it is still occupied detailing the appropriate
information.
Fire Marshals having vacated the building via their nearest available fire exit must then proceed to the Incident
Control Point at the Main Entrance, and pass on all relevant information to the Building Management Team,
who will in-turn liaise with the fire service if required.
The duties of the Fire Marshal do not cease until the incident is closed, therefore they should ensure they are
available for further instruction from the Building Management Team even though they have passed on their
information.
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5) FIRST AIDERS
A. DUTIES
On hearing the fire evacuation alarm all designated First Aiders will:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Don their high visibility jackets so they can be readily identified.
Collect their floor first aid box.
Evacuate the building using their nearest available fire exit.
Proceed directly to the Assembly Point and await further instructions.
6) INCIDENT CONTROL INFORMATION
A. INTRODUCTION
The main difference between a fire incident and any other will be the method of evacuating the building should
that become necessary.
Fire evacuation is signalled by the alarm system, which will probably have been triggered automatically. In this
event the evacuation of people follows a pre-arranged plan and is largely uncontrolled.
Because of the intangible nature of other security threats/incidents, it is not always desirable to evacuate the
building in the same way as for fire and a controlled response (which may or may not include evacuation) will
be appropriate. This is where people are told what to do, eg, where they should assemble and which exits and
escape routes they should use.
The Building Management Team may have to relay this message to Occupiers verbally together with making
use of Fire Marshals as and when necessary.
B. ASSESSMENT OF RISK
The risk to the EPAM managed buildings is considered to be low. This should be continually monitored and reassessed. In the event of a threat from an external source - terrorism, sabotage, etc, or other potential or actual
incidents the Emergency Operating Procedures should be referred to.
These procedures have been designed to minimise both the risk and the impact to all Occupiers in the event of
an emergency incident.
C. EMERGENCY OPERATING PROCEDURES
These procedures are designed to act as a platform from which decisions will be made by the Building
Management Team when an incident occurs which could cause injury to staff or hinder the normal operation of
our businesses.
Because there may not always be prior warning eg from Police, or other alerts in the vicinity of the building due
to a number of situations beyond their control, all staff should be continually vigilant and be on the look out for
strangers and suspicious packages within their own working area.
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7) GENERAL INFORMATION – RUSSELL SQUARE HOUSE
A. FIRE ALARM SYSTEM AND GENERAL RESPONSE
The fire alarm system comprises manual operation by break glass call points placed throughout the building.
There is automatic operation via smoke and heat detectors located within all areas.
Activation of any smoke detector or alarm break glass call point will sound a continuous alarm initiating a full
evacuation of the building. The Building Management Team carrying out their duties will respond to the fire
panel to establish the location of the alarm activation, whilst then proceeding to that location to investigate).
Following the activation of an alarm and unless there are obvious signs of fire, the incident will be investigated
to determine whether the alarm is genuine or not.
If the incident is a confirmed fire then the fire service must be called immediately.
In the event of a false alarm the incident will be managed locally and the fire service will not be called
On hearing the alarm all Occupiers will immediately evacuate the building using their nearest available fire exit
and proceed to the assembly point on Russell Square Gardens.
B. ASSEMBLY POINT
The fire assembly point is located on Russell Square Gardens.
IN THE EVENT OF THE FIRE ALARM SOUNDING OUTSIDE NORMAL WORKING HOURS THE FIRE SERVICE MUST
BE CALLED (DIAL 999)
Fire Assembly Point
Russell Square
Gardens.
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C. FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
All common areas within the building are supplied with suitable firefighting equipment for the specific risks to
be found within that area ie,


Foam extinguishers for carbon based fires (Paper, cardboard, fabrics and furnishings etc)
Carbon Dioxide extinguishers for electrical fires
All Occupiers have a duty to supply and maintain firefighting equipment within their demised space and to
ensure no person is put at risk when and if a fire is tackled, ie, there must be no misuse of equipment and a
person tackling a fire must ensure their escape route is available at all times.
EPAM would far prefer Occupiers to compartment the fire by closing all doors to the affected area and for all
Occupiers to evacuate the building.
D. MAIN FIRE ALARM PANEL
This is located in main reception adjacent to the main entrance.
E. FIRE ALARM TESTING
THE FIRE ALARM IS TESTED AT 10:00 EVERY TUESDAY
This is to ensure that all fire alarm call points are operational and that the alarm can be heard in all areas of the
building.
TENANTS NOT HEARING THE ALARM WITHIN THEIR AREAS ON TEST DAY SHOULD CONTACT THE BUILDING
MANAGEMENT TEAM
F. EVACUATION DRILLS
Evacuation drills will be conducted on a regular basis to ensure that all Occupiers are familiar with the fire and
emergency procedures for the building.
G. FIRE DOORS
Fire Doors are an important part of a building’s fire defences. The two functions of a fire door are:


To compartment the building to prevent the spread of fire.
To provide a safe means of escape for those Occupiers evacuating the building.
All Occupiers are to ensure that all fire doors, particularly those affording access to stairwells, are kept closed at
all times.
H. DOORS - SECURITY ACCESS
All doors equipped with security access control will “fail safe” open in the event of the fire alarm sounding. In
the event of failure to open there are green manual break glass overrides adjacent to the door and when
pressed firmly these will release the door to allow you to exit.
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I.
FIRE ESCAPE STAIRWELLS AND EXITS
There are two fire escape stairwells to the ground, offering safe egress from all levels. These stairwells
terminate to open air. Do not obstruct these exits or routes in anyway.
J.
INCIDENT CONTROL POINT
An Incident Control Point will be established, if safe at the main entrance to the building.
The Building Management Team will liaise with an Occupier’s Fire Marshal on site regarding the location of the
activation.
All relevant information regarding an incident or the evacuation will be collated at this location. The fire service
will then be able to obtain information regarding the status of the incident on arrival, if called.
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