Fire Policy
and
Evacuation Procedures
IB CAMPUS
2015 - 2016
Revised September 2015
1.1
Policy Statement
RAK Academy is a responsible employer who takes its fire safety duties seriously.
For this reason this policy has been formulated to comply with our legal obligations
to staff and visitors under the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 (as
amended). These include the provision of a safe place of work where fire safety
risks are minimised. Due to its importance, this fire safety policy also forms part of
our overall health and safety policy.
1.2
Employees’ duties
All employees have a duty to take reasonable steps to ensure that they do not
place themselves or others at risk of harm. They are also expected to co-operate
fully in complying with any procedures that may be introduce as a measure to
protect the safety and well-being of staff and visitors as well as informing the fire
wardens of any fire safety issues that may be observed.
1.3
Communication
Employees will be kept informed of any changes that are made to the fire safety
procedures and fire risk assessment. They need to ensure that all visitors to our
premises are briefed in the evacuation procedures and not left alone unless they
are aware of, and familiar with, all available escape routes. During a fire alarm,
advise/ assist visitors to the nearest evacuation route.
1.4
Procedures
The following procedures have been introduced in order to maintain high standards
of fire safety.
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A fire risk assessment will be undertaken which will be reviewed annually.
However, more frequent reviews will occur if there are changes that will
impact on its effectiveness. These may include alterations to the premises or
new work processes.
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The fire evacuation procedures will be practiced at least once annually.
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Alarm systems will be tested regularly, on a Saturday.
Revised September 2015
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Any other safety systems will be checked regularly to ensure correct
operation, where necessary, e.g. emergency lighting.
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All escape routes will be clearly signed and must be kept free from
obstructions at all times.
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All fire-related equipment will be serviced monthly and maintained. If any
employee notices defective or missing equipment, they must report it to the
Chief or Assistant Fire Warden immediately.
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Training will be provided as necessary, to any staff given extra fire safety
responsibilities, such as fire wardens.
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All new members of staff and temporary employees will be provided with
induction training on how to raise the alarm and the available escape routes.
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The fire alarm is a siren, and in certain areas an alarm bell. When activated,
all staff (except those with special designated duties) should leave the
building immediately by the nearest exit, escorting the children / visitors in
their charge). Do not stop to collect anything.
This policy and procedures forms part of employees’ conditions of employment.
Failure to comply may be treated as a disciplinary matter.
Revised September 2015
PROCEDURES IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE
1.5
On discovering a fire / hearing fire alarm
[Normal working hours: 7.30am – 3.30 pm]:
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If the fire bell alarm sounds during this time, the following evacuation
procedures must take place. If non lesson time, follow the same
procedure as per lesson time but use professional judgment if registers are
unavailable.
Assume it is a real emergency, but remain calm and follow the procedures
below.
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1.51 Teachers with classes:
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If you discover a fire, raise the alarm immediately. Operate the nearest break
glass call point.
If you are not a fire warden, ensure you and your class evacuate immediately
and in an orderly manner and close all doors behind you.
Do not stop to collect personal belongings.
Follow evacuation route plans to the nearest emergency exit.
Go straight to identified assembly point via planned / safest route possible.
Collect class register from HOY; ensure all students are accounted for.
If all students present display GREEN A4 card with class name on.
If students are missing immediately display RED A4 card with class name on.
Inform the AREA WARDEN (Ian Campbell) of missing student’s class, name
and possible location.
Once all clear given, give registers to HOY and return to class in an
orderly manner.
Swimming pool
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If you are teaching in the swimming pool, follow the normal evacuation
procedure but ensure that the children are appropriately covered and have
footwear (extra clothing to be stored on poolside and children told to bring
flip flops and towels to poolside every lesson).
1.52 All other Staff (including administration, support staff, canteen and
cleaners).
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If you discover a fire raise the alarm immediately. Operate the nearest break
Revised September 2015
glass call point.
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If you are not a fire warden, evacuate immediately and close all doors
behind you.
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Do not stop to collect personal belongings.
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Follow evacuation route plans to the nearest emergency exit – DO NOT STAY
IN THE BUILDING OR WAIT AROUND OUTSIDE.
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Go straight to identified staff muster point – Covered Area 2 - via safest route
possible.
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Register your presence with person responsible for staff registration and
await further instructions.
Emad – Administration
Thomas – Stores, Canteen and Cleaners
Shammi – Secondary
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Once all clear given, return to normal duties but inform Chief Fire Warden of
any issues during the evacuation.
1.53 Fire Wardens
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If you discover a fire, raise the alarm immediately. Operate the nearest break
glass call point.
If the alarm goes off, ensure all students and staff are evacuating identified
zone.
If not in designated area, do not return, unless safe to do so. Do not re-enter
the building if you are outside.
Check that each room within designated zone is clear and close all doors.
When zone is clear, evacuate building via nearest fire exit and proceed to
AREA WARDEN.
Inform AREA WARDEN that the zone is all clear.
Once duties complete, go to designated staff muster point and register your
presence.
Once all clear given, return to normal duties but inform Chief Fire Warden of
any issues during the evacuation.
If zone has fire
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If trained and it is safe to do so, attempt to fight the fire using the equipment
provided. Fire Wardens should not put themselves at any personal risk. If
more than one extinguisher is needed – leave. If Fire Warden not capable of
Revised September 2015
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fighting a fire – leave.
If unable to deal with the fire, evacuate immediately. Ensure that no-one is
left in the area and close any doors after leaving.
Report all information to AREA WARDEN / CHIEF FIRE WARDEN, as
appropriate.
1.54 Security guards
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If you discover a fire, raise the alarm immediately. Operate the nearest break
glass call point.
Go straight to assigned ‘fire’ positions via safest route possible, once alarm
sounds or fire is discovered. (At all times, including breaks)
Take walkie talkie to the area wardens.
School gates will be immediately closed to prevent further student/parental
entry.
Take the visitor sign-in book to Covered Area 2 and give to Dr Hanan.
Security guards will ensure gate is unlocked and will await further
instructions to open in case of a further evacuation / fire department arrival.
Tennis courts / bus gates should be unlocked and a security guard present, in
readiness of an evacuation.
If second evacuation is needed, aid the evacuation in a calm manner. Ensure
gates are opened, encourage everyone to walk and ensure that cars are
stopped and provide a safe passage for the staff/students to cross the road
to the second muster point (Large car park opposite school).
1.6
On discovering a fire / hearing fire alarm
(Outside normal school hours - before 7.30am, after 3pm or
weekends / holidays):
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If the fire bell alarm sounds outside normal school hours, follow the same
evacuation route but muster will be at Covered Area 2.
Assume it is a real emergency, but remain calm.
Security should take visitor / teacher sign-in to muster point at Covered Area
2.
Staff must check for any children in their care (e.g. club / sports teams).
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1.61 Alarm Testing
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Staff will be informed prior to alarm testing of following information:
Revised September 2015
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Day/dates of test/s
Time of fire alarm test
Whether staff / students to evacuate or remain in building.
2
Duties of staff in the event of an evacuation
2.1
Fire Identification & Assessment Coordinator – Dass
(Mohandas if Dass absent from premises)
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Contact Security to identify origin point of alarm
Go directly to fire alarm origin to establish if it is a genuine fire or false alarm
Contact Chief / Assistant Fire Warden to inform of fire origin and situation
If actual fire situation, ensure fire zone is clear of all staff and students.
If zone has fire
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If trained and it is safe to do so, attempt to fight the fire using the equipment
provided. Assessor should not put themselves at any personal risk. If more
than one extinguisher is needed – leave. If Assessor not capable of fighting a
fire – leave.
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If unable to deal with the fire, evacuate immediately. Ensure that no-one is
left in the area and close any doors after leaving
2.2
Person in charge:
Chief Fire Warden – Julie Gent
Assistant Chief Fire Warden –Oliver Platt
Their tasks include
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gathering all information regarding the evacuation
establish if it is a genuine fire or false alarm
inform Executive Principal / Area Warden of fire situation
ensure that the fire brigade [997] have been called
receive reports from the AREA Warden to ensure that all staff/students
have been evacuated.
liaise with the fire brigade on its arrival.
ensure debrief, with Dass and Mohandas immediately after incident.
The person in charge has the authority to end an evacuation and recall all
staff/students into the buildings
Revised September 2015
2.3
Area Warden
Ian Campbell
Staff Muster:
Emad – Administration
Thomas - Stores, Canteen and Cleaners
Shammi - Secondary
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Ensure that all members of staff, students and/or visitors have been
accounted for at each muster point.
Report missing staff / students to Chief Fire Warden.
Ensure all staff / students are waiting in a calm manner at the appropriate
muster point.
Direct staff / students to re-enter school as directed by Chief Fire Warden
through the Executive Principal.
Ensure that the emergency contact numbers are taken to the second
evacuation zone, if appropriate.
Debrief Chief Fire Warden once all clear is given.
2.4
Fire Wardens
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Each area of the school will be assigned a fire warden.
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Ensure that all members of staff, students and/or visitors have left the
building safely.
Report this to AREA WARDEN, and then wait with the evacuated students /
staff at the identified muster point.
If second evacuation is necessary lead evacuees to the second muster point,
large carpark opposite main gate
They should wear red vests and be easily recognizable to staff and visitors.
2.5
Receptionists
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Responsible for taking fire registers / emergency contact lists – class register
with green/red card, out to muster point.
Give registers to each HOY as efficiently as possible.
2.6
Head of Year
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Ensure all classes are present at assembly point.
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Revised September 2015
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Identify missing students from all classes via class teachers.
Inform AREA WARDEN of missing children or all present.
Ensure all staff in their team follows the fire policy and procedures.
Assist / advise as necessary.
2.7
Class Teachers
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Ensure safety of students at all times through prompt evacuation.
Lead students to assembly point in a calm, safe and orderly manner.
Register children in their care, in an efficient manner.
Identify any missing students / staff.
Report of all present / missing students through display of colour coded class
card [red/green] and verbal confirmation to HOY.
Ensure children sit quietly and await further instructions.
3
Your Safety
The safety of employees, students and others, including members of the public, is
paramount and at no time should any personal risk be taken.
Policy revision: September 2014
Revised September 2015