St. Peter S House Library

GEEP St. Peter’s House Library Purpose

The purpose of this plan is to provide anyone who cannot leave the building unaided with information to get to a place of safety and to help library staff provide the correct level of assistance.

Preparation

On your first visit please talk to library staff at the Help Desk so that arrangements can be made to show you how to leave the building safely in the event of an emergency.

Please let us know of any intended visits in advance, if possible, via a phone call to the Help Desk (01273 643220) or email ([email protected]) . On each visit please sign in and out at the Help Desk. Library staff are happy to provide further assistance if required.

Please familiarise yourself with the emergency exits and assembly points; see attached plan.

Please note that if you press the button to call our lift, it does not chime to signal its arrival.

During certain times (after 5.30pm during the week and at weekends) if you are unable to use the stairs without assistance or may require help on the upper floors of the library, we advise you to only use the Ground Floor of St. Peter’s House Library. This is because in the event of an emergency we would be unable to assist you in leaving the building. You will be notified of any restrictions each time you visit.

Emergency Action If the fire alarm sounds you should:

Floors 1-4 : Make your way to the Refuge area near the lift on each floor and use the Refuge phone to notify BEC Building evacuation controller of your presence and await further instruction. Do not use the lift.

If there is no reply then ring the emergency number 01273642222 and explain where you are, your situation and location. The BEC will then make contact or send a runner • You will be kept informed when it is safe to return to the building, • In the unlikely event that the building must be evacuated, trained personnel will come to the refuge to help you leave the building using an “evac” chair. • If you find yourself unaccompanied in the refuge, a Fire Warden will remain with you when they have carried out their floor check. (The fire warden can then advise the BEC of their floor check and that they are remaining to assist at the refuge.)

If you feel unable to use this equipment or are unable to self-transfer from your wheelchair to the “evac” chair please mention this to your host immediately so that alternative arrangements can be put in place. If you have a condition whereby you require assistance to leave the building in an emergency, but are able to use the stairs: A staff member or fire warden will act as your

JS/December 2013. FY Amended September 2016 buddy and will assist you to the refuge, then if required, from the building to the assembly point. Ground Floor: Leave the building via the nearest Fire Exit.

All persons involved in this GEEP must familiarize themselves with the locations of the fire exits and the disabled refuges. On leaving the library, please go to the assembly point in Richmond Place or Albion Street. Fire Wardens will be on hand to direct you.

Please do not re-enter the building until the Building Evacuation Controller or Fire Warden tells you it is safe to do so.

Phil Thompson 08/11/2016

JS/December 2013. FY Amended September 2016