Fire safety policy

The development and implementation of a robust fire safety management system is recognised to be the key factor to delivering the aims of this Fire Safety Policy and ensuring that the standards of fire safety within the University comply with all legislative requirements and thereby providing full assurances in respect to fire risk management to those that may need them.

This policy applies to all SGUL employees, students, agency staff, volunteers, visitors and contractors who have a duty of care whilst at work to:

• take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of all other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions
• co-operate with the SGUL in ensuring all statutory Fire Safety and other requirements are complied with on the University premises and at the Halls of residents
• observe the provisions of this policy and other SGI-JL policies, procedures and guidance relating to fire and health and Safety
• not intentionally interfere with or misuse materials provided for fire safety.

This policy will be implemented across SGUL and at any premises occupied by SGUL staff, students, and is intended to safeguard all who have access to SGUL premises.

This policy describes the arrangements to be followed by all staff and students in regard to fire safety. The university has undertaken to ensure that all statutory requirements relating to fire precautions and fire safety are observed on the sites for which they are responsible.

The main statutory provisions are to be found in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Building Regulations 2010 and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

The university will undertake to comply with the relevant legislation as required by the Secretary of State for the Department of Education.

It is the university's aim to minimise:

• the incidence of fire throughout its activities, university site and halls of residents including Horton Halls and other estates occupied by SGUL staff and students.
• the impact from fire on life, safety, delivery of service, the environment and property. To achieve this, the university undertakes the following and will:
  • assess the risks from fire with regard to the health, safety and welfare of employees, students, visitors and others who use the university services whilst they are on its premises and maintain a record of its findings as required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
  • adopt a systematic approach to fire safety following current legislation which provide best practice whereby risks are eliminated or minimised by the correct selection and design of facilities, equipment and processes
  • Provide fire safety information, operational policies, procedures and guidance, training, instruction and supervision to enable employees perform their work and students study in a safe manner
  • maintain suitable and sufficient records of training, testing and maintenance of fire safety systems
  • make available as appropriate all necessary fire safety devices
  • provide and maintain suitable reference building plans showing relevant fire safety management arrangements
  • maintain a constant and continuing interest in fire safety matters by consulting and involving employees or their representatives wherever possible
  • liaise with local fire authorities and other relevant enforcing bodies as and when required
  • liaise with any other contract management providers, such as EMCOR, and all other employers upon its sites where the activities of these service providers affect the fire safety of SGUL staff, students, visitors and people who use SGI-JL services; and where the activities of the university may affect the activities of other employers
  • communicate and collaborate with the Health and Safety team, the Waste Manager, the Fire Officers, and the Estates team of the St. George's University Hospitals, NHS Foundation and with members of South West London Pathology in issues relating to the physical estate and fire evacuation.