1. Purpose
This procedure explains how Equra College London (“Equra”) manages fire safety and how staff, students, contractors and visitors must respond during a fire alarm or emergency evacuation.
2. Scope
This procedure applies to:
- All Equra premises and teaching spaces
- All staff, students, visitors and contractors on site
- Off-site teaching locations used by Equra where Equra has responsibility for the activity (in coordination with venue procedures)
3. Fire safety responsibilities
3.1 Governing Body
- Ensures appropriate oversight and resourcing for fire safety.
3.2 Health and Safety Lead / Premises Lead
- Ensures fire safety arrangements are implemented and reviewed
- Ensures evacuation information is displayed
- Ensures periodic checks and drills where applicable
- Maintains records of fire safety checks and actions
3.3 Staff
- Familiarise themselves with exits, alarm points and assembly points
- Support safe evacuation and assist learners as appropriate
- Report hazards, blocked exits, or fire safety concerns immediately
3.4 Students and visitors
- Follow instructions and evacuate immediately when the alarm sounds
- Do not re-enter until authorised
4. Fire prevention (minimum rules)
All building users must:
- Keep fire exits and corridors clear at all times
- Never wedge fire doors open
- Not overload electrical sockets
- Switch off equipment when not in use where required
- Store combustible materials safely and away from heat sources
- Report damaged cables, burning smells, or faulty equipment immediately
5. Fire alarm activation
The fire alarm may be activated by:
- Automatic detectors
- Manual call points
- Staff action where a fire is suspected
If you discover a fire:
- Raise the alarm immediately (activate a manual call point if available)
- Call 999 when safe to do so
- Do not attempt to fight the fire unless trained and it is safe
- Evacuate and assist others if safe
6. Evacuation procedure
When the alarm sounds:
- Stop what you are doing immediately
- Leave by the nearest safe exit
- Do not use lifts (if present)
- Do not stop to collect belongings
- Close doors behind you where safe (do not lock)
- Proceed to the designated assembly point
- Follow staff instructions and remain at the assembly point
No one may re-enter the building until the all-clear is given by authorised personnel.
7. Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)
Where a student, staff member or visitor may require assistance to evacuate safely, Equra will put in place an appropriate personal emergency evacuation plan where required and practicable, based on the environment and risk.
8. Roll call and accountability
8.1 Staff will support accountability checks where practicable, including registers for teaching sessions where available.
8.2 Visitors and contractors should sign in/out where an on-site sign-in process exists.
8.3 Any missing persons must be reported immediately to the person coordinating evacuation and emergency services.
9. Fire drills and training
Equra will:
- Provide induction information to staff
- Provide clear evacuation information to students
- Conduct drills where appropriate for the site and risk profile
- Record drill outcomes and improvement actions
10. Fire safety checks and maintenance
Equra will ensure appropriate fire safety arrangements, which may include:
- Regular checks of alarms, call points and emergency lighting (where applicable)
- Maintenance of fire extinguishers where present
- Clear signage for exits and assembly points
- Periodic review of fire risk controls appropriate to the premises
Premises-related responsibilities may be shared with building management where Equra uses leased space. Equra will ensure procedures are aligned and communicated.
11. Reporting fire safety concerns
Fire safety concerns must be reported immediately to:
info@equracollege.org.uk (or the published Health and Safety contact)
Examples include: blocked exits, damaged fire doors, faulty alarms, or unsafe electrical equipment.
12. Review
This procedure will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by changes in premises, incidents, drills, or fire risk review outcomes.