Your University has a legal duty to ensure that everyone can safely evacuate University buildings in the event of a fire. This duty is fulfilled by having an up-to-date and regularly reviewed fire risk assessment, evacuation plan, designated and signed fire escape routes and places of safety when the fire alarm sounds for each building on our campuses.
If you have an impairment or disability, your University must also provide additional support to ensure you can safely evacuate all buildings. This is provided through our emergency refuge points. These spaces are present in each building and act as a safe space, in the event of an emergency evacuation, where you can wait for additional assistance in evacuating. The refuge points are checked by our fire wardens and dedicated response teams when a fire alarm has been activated. If a refuge alarm has been activated, they will provide assistance as quickly as possible.
Accessibility Team
- Email Address: accessibility@fxplus.ac.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you I know where the emergency exits/refuge points are in a building?
We strongly encourage you to make yourselves aware of the buildings that you use on a regular basis, to ensure you know where your direct access routes to outside are and where you need to use a lift to access an area where the designated refuge points are.
Where you are unable to evacuate the building head to the nearest refuge point, these are predominately in the staircases.
Can I use a lift in the event of a fire alarm?
No – you cannot use a lift if a fire alarm has been activated. Where possible, you must take a route that takes you directly outside. If you are unable to evacuate a building you must head to the nearest refuge point for further assistance.
How do I request help from a refuge point?
When you arrive at the refuge point you are in a place of safety. If you are unable to proceed any further without assistance, wait there and summon for help by using one of the following methods:
- Push the button on the Emergency Voice Communication system
- Call the Safety and Support Team on 01326 254444
- Using the SafeZone app, request assistance from our response team
How can I locate where I am from a refuge point?
Each refuge point has a sign containing the building name, which refuge point you are at, the staircase and which floor you are on.
In an emergency situation, you can pass this information on to the response team so they can easily locate where you are. A member of the safety and support team, a fire warden or another member of staff will response your call for assistance and will be with you as quickly as possible.
