Section 3 - Fire Safety
Index to Section 3:
Appendix 2: The Emergency Plan
3.1 Fire drills
The Head Porter is responsible for arranging fire drills for each staircase and hostel, and a log is kept of all drills. The fire Safety Training Log is held in the Porters Lodge. Generally, Porter-arranged drills will take place as follows:
By the second week in October (Michaelmas Term).
By the third week of January (Lent Term).
Retesting may take place if responses have been slow or incorrect (eg going to the wrong assembly point).
3.2 Prevention
Fire Risk Assessments have been carried out for all staircases and Hostels. These may be inspected at the Porters Lodge. It is the duty of all College members, guests and visitors to prevent fire. On a personal level, this means that individuals must be aware of potential dangers, in particular, those related to smoking and cooking in gyp rooms, faulty electrical leads and equipment. Neither cooking nor burning candles is allowed in study bedrooms.
The College also has a number of procedures to ensure that risks are minimised. Details of the testing and training regime associated with preventing fire and minimising its effects are held in the Porters Lodge. Note that all accommodation has a weekly alarm test during a designated period.
3.3 Detection and Alarms
All Christ's College accommodation is equipped with automated fire detection and alarm equipment. Alarms are relayed back to the Porters. Lodge. In a very few cases, a battery operated smoke detector may be fitted. Any tampering with the fire detection and alarm systems or first aid fire appliances. (extinguishers etc) is a very serious offence, and will be dealt with most severely by the College; in the past, irresponsible behaviour involving the fire detection system has led to students being fined and sent out of College accommodation. It is essential that all members of College understand the actions that need to be taken in the event of a fire alarm, and these are further described in Appendix 2, the Emergency Plan.
3.4 Escape
Each staircase has its escape route signed. It is important that escape routes, especially staircases, which can act as a chimney, are kept clear of flammable material, such as paper, cardboard boxes etc. All fire doors are to be kept closed; they are never to be wedged open. Each area of College accommodation has been surveyed, and a fire safety report drawn up covering the following topics:
Diagram showing Escape Routes, Fire-Detection System & Location of Fire-Fighting Equipment
Equipment Testing and Training Summary The smokefree law, which came into effect on 1 July 2007, makes it illegal to smoke in public buildings and places of work. Accordingly, the College does not allow Fellows, staff, students, visitors, conference guests, contractors or members of the public to smoke in any part of its premises. College premises include all buildings on the Domus site, and other College premises such as hostels, the boathouse and College-owned vehicles. Additionally, smoking is NOT allowed in College residential accommodation, including all individual study bedrooms, bed-sits or flats. This policy is to be communicated to students by Tutorial and Admissions Staff on arrival, and repeated annually via the Electronic Newsletter. Students are required to advise their guests of this College policy, and ensure that it is followed. The Director of College Services is responsible for implementing and monitoring the effectiveness of this policy. Students who breach the policy may be subject to disciplinary action.
3.5 Smoking Policy
