Building Evacuations

Procedures are required for all University buildings to ensure rapid response to emergencies which may need evacuation. The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 requires that employers ensure that the means of access to and exiting from the workplace are safe and without risks to health.

Why do we Evacuate?

• To move people from possible danger to safety.
• A situation exists in the building that cannot be contained.
• Emergency Services require the building or area to be cleared.
• The emergency may escalate quickly and without warning.

Typical Triggers for an Evacuation

• Fire alarms
• Power failures
• Biological hazards
• Chemical spills
• Bomb or substance threats
• Structure collapse
• Gas leaks
• Water leaks
• External hazard affecting the building