Peeps Interview Questionnaire

Some typical Emergency Evacuation Plans and assistance available to persons with disabilities

Mobility: most buildings have disabled refuges on the upper floors, in locations such as staircases and lobbies. These are protected from fire for at least 30 minutes. An intercom telephone (wall-mounted panel) connects to Security staff, who are automatically aware of your location even if you cannot hear them over the noise of the fire alarm; you are immediately a top priority. They are also aware of exactly where the incident is located, and therefore the risk to you. In many cases they will decide you should remain safely where you are; they may “horizontally evacuate” you to another safe location in the building; or it may be necessary to assist you to leave the building. One method is the “Evac chair”; we will need to ensure via your PEEP (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan) that you can safely transfer to it, or find other ways to meet your needs. Note that on your way a refuge point, you may find automatic fire doors shut which you normally encounter held open.

Visual: some staircases have colour-contrasted markings on the steps; some do not yet. If you require assistance, one possibility might be a “buddy system” whereby designated people nearby will assist you; another option might be to use a disabled refuge as above.

Hearing: some locations have flashing beacons in addition to fire alarm sirens or bells; some do not yet. Vibrating pagers or pillows, which respond to the fire alarm system, can be issued. “Buddy systems” as described above might also be suitable.

Student residences on campus: Campus Watch are aware of all rooms allocated to persons with disabilities. In the event of a fire or other incident, you and your room are immediately a top priority (as for disabled refuges – see above). You can be certain that if you are in any danger, a Security Officer will arrive very rapidly. If there is no danger to you (e.g. false alarms) they will visit or contact you whenever possible for reassurance – but please note that so long as you are safe, they may have other immediate priorities. In the case of specifically adapted study bedrooms, the room itself is a fire-protected enclosure and you are safe remaining in your room (with the door closed) for at least 30 minutes.

Medical conditions, injury, pregnancy etc: the elderly, heavily pregnant women, persons with sports injuries, broken limbs etc, persons recuperating from operations/treatment, or those with certain medical conditions etc might also need assistance (and therefore a PEEP) in order to evacuate safely.

Fire marshals & Security staff: as additional reassurance: please note that many areas of University buildings are provided with fire marshals. In an evacuation, they will “sweep” designated areas of a building to ensure that no persons remain. They may be able to offer you assistance; at the very least, they will rapidly inform Security staff who will then assist you.

In nearly all cases a Security Officer proceeds immediately to investigate the location of a fire alarm activation – i.e. where the potential danger is. Having found the cause, they will then “sweep” the immediate area as above. Therefore, if you are having difficulty evacuating or have not found your way to a refuge, and if you are in immediate danger from a fire, you will rapidly be found and assisted. However, a properly planned PEEP will greatly reduce the risk to you and those assisting you still further. Safety, Health & Environment Unit Oct 2011 TYPICAL STANDARD EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLANS for persons with disabilities

The following list is based on HM Government guidance ‘Means of Escape for Disabled people’ and gives an outline indication of types of escape arrangements/methods to consider, and the types of assistance typically available. These can vary widely in different locations – more information can be found in building Fire Emergency Plan and obtained from building management or the Fire Safety & Environment Adviser (Safety, Health & Environment Unit. In most cases the options set out below will form the basis of individual Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans, according to each person’s needs and, insofar as possible, preferences. In many cases a combination of several of these options will apply. The use of mobile phones should not be discounted (Reception and/or building Security should ask for and record phone numbers) but emergency evacuation provisions must not rely on them.

Category Comments

Option Type of escape 1 Use of lift N/A, no firefighting or evacuation lifts except in Jarman building – and most lifts automatically descend to ground/exit level with fire alarm 2 Meet assistance at refuge 3 Meet assistance at Probably only safe and practicable with a buddy system (25) – otherwise workstation (2) will be necessary 4, 5, Make own way down stairs 12 slowly after main flow, on foot or on bottom 6 Use Evac chair or similar 7, 8, 9 Carry-down 2, 3 or 4 people Not implemented due to high risks both to person and to assisters 10 Travel down in own chair Risks to person and possibly to assisters are likely to be high – safe with support method must be devised 11 Cannot transfer readily Discuss and devise solution as possible 13, 14 Needs assistance to walk Could be as buddy system (25) down stairs, 1 or 2 people 15 Needs orientation Could be as buddy system (25) information 16 Needs tactile map of Not currently available – use other options building 17 Needs colour contrasting Some buildings/locations are provided; check whether contrast meets on stairways person’s needs 18 Needs step edge markings Some buildings/locations are provided; check whether markings meet person’s needs 19 Needs showing escape routes 20 Needs assistance for Could be as buddy system (25) person and dog 21 Needs doors opening Could be as buddy system (25) 22 Needs large print Can be provided as necessary information 23 Identification of escape Assess/predetermine most suitable escape route(s) from intended route location 24 Provision of flashing Some buildings/locations are provided beacons 25 Buddy system Companion and/or person(s) nearby will be nominated; note, this is on a voluntary basis, and not always feasible 26, 27 Provision of vibrating pager Can be provided as necessary or alternative alarm 28 Additional checks by fire Automatically provided in most but not all buildings/locations/incidents marshals/security officers 29 Horizontal evacuation Will be implemented wherever possible - i.e. retreat to another safe refuge on same level within building, remote from the incident location (your safety continues to be actively monitored) 30 Needs taped information (or Will endeavour to provide this on request Braille)