Fire safety

Procedure in case of fire

All staff should follow these directions when confronted by a fire:

  1. If safe to do so ensure the immediate safety of, and alert anyone within the vicinity of the fire.
  2. Raise the alarm if not already sounding, using a break glass alarm panel or by shouting 'Fire, Fire, Fire' if a panel is not available. The alarm system automatically notifies the Fire Brigade and Security.
  3. Ring
    • ACT Fire Brigade 000 Give your name, address, building, level, room number, type and extent of the fire / smoke.
    • Second call is to phone ANU Security 52249.
  4. Obey all instructions from Wardens.
  5. Evacuate the immediate area and go to emergency congregation area.

If a fire has been discovered the Building Chief Warden must:

  1. Evacuate the area in alarm immediately (if this is not already underway).
  2. Commence evacuation of entire building.
  3. Meet the Emergency Service on their arrival and inform them of the situation, type of incident (if known), status of the building and the location of any impaired or other persons requiring assistance.

If no fire is found, the Building Chief Warden must:

  1. After liaising with the emergency service notify all occupants of the building that it is a false alarm; and
  2. Meet the Emergency Service on their arrival and inform them of the situation, type of incident (if known), status of the building and the location of any impaired or other persons requiring assistance

Evacuation

You should leave the building on the sounding of the evacuation tone or if told to do so by a member of the Warden Team, ANU Security or a Fire Brigade Officer.  You should go to the building emergency congregation area as indicated on the emergency procedures diagram located in the building.

Alarm sounds

Some University buildings are equipped with emergency warning sound systems.  On hearing the alert alarm "beep beep", immediately prepare to leave the building - secure confidential materials and valuables, collect immediate personal belongings, shut appliances, equipment and machinery.

If the evacuation alarm "whoop whoop" sounds continuously, or if instructed to do so by a Warden, leave the building by the nearest and safest exit route.  Close all doors behind you (do not lock) as the ACT Fire Brigade may require access.

Small fires

If it is safe to do so and you are accompanied by a colleague you may use an extinguisher to fight a small fire.  A small fire is considered to be less than 1m in size.

If a small fire has already been put out inside a building you must:

  • Dial 000 and ask for the Fire Brigade to attend
  • Telephone ANU Security, 6125 2249 then press button 1 for emergency priority
  • Contact your supervisor and the building's Chief Warden

If a small fire has already been put out outside on the grounds of the campus you must:

  • Telephone ANU Security, 6125 2249 then press button 1 for emergency priority
  • Contact your supervisor and the nearest building's Chief Warden

Regulations & legislation

The Australian National University is subject to the following fire regulations and legislation:

  • Building Code of Australia
  • Australian Capital Territory Fire Brigades Act
  • Australian Standards
  • ANU Policies and Procedures

Copies of these documents can be obtained by contacting the Fire Safety Officer.