Lecture Theatres, Labs and Class Rooms

These areas require explicit organization because of the potential for large numbers of people to be assembled in a small area. The person in charge of the class shall maintain control of the class, and take direction from the Floor Warden.

Lecturers should assess class numbers prior to the commencement of the lecture. If aisle ways are overcrowded, excess students (those without seats) should be requested to move from the theatre. Student Administration may be able to assist if the theatre or class room is consistently too large, or too small. Lecture theatres throughout the University have now been fitted with emergency route plans on all overhead projectors, which should be displayed prior to commencement of the class, and again at the hearing of the fire evacuation alarm.

UPON HEARING THE ALARM SIGNAL or WHEN NOTIFIED OF AN EMERGENCY:

The person in charge of the class should direct students to:

• Stand fast and push chairs, large bags, etc under desks or benches.
• Turn off electrical devices and laboratory operations that are not safe to be left unattended.
• In controlled sequence, move along gangways to main aisles and exit in an orderly manner through the nearest appropriate exit.

These procedures are essential in an after hours situation (e.g. outside 8.45am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday) when the normal support of the building emergency team will not be available.

In an after hours situation, the person in charge should ensure that on leaving the building, the evacuated persons stay together as a group until contacted by the emergency services - Fire Brigade or Police - or by the University Security service. This is necessary to account for all persons in the building at the time. When directed to do so recover any potential affects left in the building.