Fire safety
Staying safe from the risk of fire.
Fire safety resources
Our fire safety management resources are designed to help protect staff, students and visitors to University premises against fire and the effects of fire.
If you are unsure about the safety arrangements for the building(s) you work in, you can find out by asking your line manager, the facilities manager or by asking the University Fire Safety Advisor.
Since the University introduced the blended working trial, there is a requirement for everyone to be more vigilant for their own safety. If a fire alarm sounds at work, it’s important that you leave the building as quickly and as safely as possible, encouraging others to do so, and await further instruction from security officers and/or maintenance staff.
Guidance
Fire alarms that are out of service
Purpose: Managing fire safety for buildings with fire alarm systems that are out of service, for example, during maintenance or due to a fault.
Resource: Use of buildings when fire alarms are out of service
Buildings without fire alarm systems fitted are not covered by this guidance.
Fire drills
Purpose: Guidance on arranging fire drills each term, including separate drills in halls for students and staff.
Resource: Fire drills
Relevant for: Facilities managers, fire wardens
False alarm evacuations are not replacements for formal fire drills.
Fire warden provision
Purpose: Outlining the roles and requirements for fire wardens.
Resource: Fire warden provision
Relevant for: Facilities managers, fire wardens, SSAs
Personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP) guidance
Purpose: Creating personal emergency evacuation plans.
How to use: Include a PEEP for every location where a person could work or study at the University and name the people who will provide assistance.
Resource: Peep Policy, guidance and template - PDF, Peep Policy, guidance and template - Word
Completed by: Head of school or service, or someone acting on their behalf, with involvement of the person requiring the PEEP.
E-bike fire safety: Guidance for staff and students
Purpose: Guidance on the safe use, storage and charging of e-bikes.
E-bike fire safety: Guidance for staff and students is under further scrutiny and is subject to revision. In the meantime
- Do not bring e-bikes into buildings except internal cycle parking facilities
- E-bike batteries may be brought into buildings (other than internal cycle parking facilities) ONLY when in a fireproof case
- Batteries should be stored in fireproof cases in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight
- Batteries must NOT be charged in university buildings
Updated 26/06/2023
Lithium battery storage, handling, and charging proceedures
Purpose: To provide guidance on the safe storage, handling and charging of lithium batteries.
Resource: Lithium battery storage, handling and charging proceedures
Safe use of portable heaters at the University
Purpose: To avoid risks to both health and fire safety.
Resource: Oil-filled heaters - Best practice
Training
Fire safety training is mandatory for all staff and should be completed annually.
Visit Develop to explore the courses that are available and find out how to book.
University policy
Read the policies on:
Supporting guidance document
Fire safety policy supporting guidance document.
For further assistance, expert advice or training, contact the Fire Safety Adviser.