Emergencies

College Emergency Procedures

Details of the Emergency Procedures and a map of exit doors and evacuation assembly areas are located on the back of each bedroom door. A copy of the University College Emergency Procedures can be found on the UC website and should be read thoroughly as part of your induction to the College.
Take the time to become familiar with these emergency and exit procedures and take note of the nearest exit to your room and how to proceed to the nominated assembly area.
In the event of an emergency the smooth execution of Emergency Control Procedures can only be achieved if all residents are thoroughly familiar with what is expected of them.
The risk of panic, personal injury and loss of property is significantly reduced by each resident being trained in the Emergency Response Procedures.
These procedures have been developed in accordance with Australian Standard 3745-10 - Emergency Control Organisation and Procedures for Buildings.
During an emergency, all residents may have to be evacuated from the College. These procedures have been designed to enable safe evacuation of residents and visitors. It is mandatory that these procedures be actively supported by all residents; failure to do so may result in a discipline procedure being invoked.

Emergency exit doors

Other than the front door, all other emergency exit doors are fitted with break glass boxes, key alarm switches or are connected to the evacuation systems. These will sound immediately if they are opened without being isolated.
These alarms prevent intruders from entering the College from the outside, but enable easy exit for residents if an emergency evacuation is necessary.
Residents are not to use these exits at any time other than an emergency. Penalties and disciplinary action may result

Fire safety

Fire is always a potential danger in a residential college and all residents are expected to be vigilant in respect to potential fire hazards.
Extensive fire protection, detection and alert systems have been installed throughout the College.

Fire Protection Equipment - In rooms and corridors

All bedroom doors are fitted with smoke seals and automatic door closers
It is illegal to disconnect door closers and the College will carry out random inspections to make sure the door closers are operating. A reconnection fee may be charged for any doors found disconnected (see Appendix A for reconnection fee).
Smoke doors are placed in all corridors and will automatically swing shut should the fire alarm be activated. These doors can be pushed open to allow escape in the event of fire.
A sprinkler system can be found in most rooms and in corridors, bathrooms, laundries, kitchenettes and common areas.
The sprinklers are very sensitive and can be set off by a slight touch (e.g. a ball, clothing tossed to the ceiling, laundry hung on the pipes etc).
No naked flames (e.g. candles, oil burners, diffusers or heaters) are permitted in your rooms.
Please report any unsafe electrical equipment or wiring to the Guest Services team via email (guestservices@unicol.unimelb.edu.au). Every effort will be made to rectify problems as soon as possible. If you do not report problems we cannot fix them. If immediate attention is required please see the Guest Services team at reception during business hours, or contact the duty phone after hours or on weekends.
Corridors and stairways must be kept clear of obstacles.

Smoke detectors

Smoke detectors are located in each bedroom and in the ceiling of all corridors. These are very sensitive and can be set off by smoking and vaping, candles, sparklers, aerosols or excessive steam.
Smoke from burnt toast is a particular problem and, for this reason, the College does not provide toasters, and no toaster should be brought to the College.
All aerosols are banned from use in rooms. Anyone found to have set off the fire alarm through use of any prohibited items or behaviours (smoking/vaping, candles, incense, diffusers, aerosols, toasters, kettles or cooking equipment in rooms) will be subject to a minimum $500 fine.
Please do not tamper with or cover the smoke detectors. Penalties and disciplinary action will apply to anyone who willfully covers the smoke detector in their room.

What happens when the alarm goes off?

Should a smoke detector or sprinkler be set off, the alarm will sound and two fire brigade trucks will arrive at the College within minutes. The fire brigade charges the College for false alarms, and these considerable costs (currently up to $2,200 per truck) may be passed on to the offender(s) for payment, depending on the circumstances.
When the fire alarm is activated a loud alert alarm can be heard in all parts of the College. It is essential that all students follow the emergency procedures set out below and located in each room.

The responsibility of residents during an emergency:

Follow instructions issued by University College’s trained fire wardens
Conduct an orderly evacuation to the nominated safe assembly place
Assist the emergency services by providing information when asked

The sequence of evacuation is:

The fire affected area;
Areas adjacent to the fire affected area;
Additional areas above and below the affected area may need to be evacuated if circumstances warrant or if directed by the emergency services.

Residents are not to return to the building until the ‘all clear’ has been given by a person of authority from the relevant emergency service.

On hearing the fire alarm, don’t worry about getting formally dressed, just put on warm clothes, a jacket and footwear. Shut your windows and take your room keys. Exit the room and follow the evacuation procedures as rehearsed in the Evacuation Drill. Proceed to the nominated assembly area as indicated on the evacuation map.

If you see or smell smoke before leaving your room, place the back of your hand on the door to see if the wood is hot. If it is hot, do not open the door. Place blankets along the bottom of the door and escape through the window or call for help. If the door is not hot, get down on the floor and slowly open the door carefully in case you have to shut it quickly. If there is no sign of fire, follow the evacuation procedure already outlined.

Switch electrical appliances off before using chemical fire extinguishers. Remember it is dangerous to put water on an electrical fire.

An emergency evacuation practice is held early in each semester and all residents are required to participate.

Medical emergencies

In the case of a medical emergency, call an ambulance on 000. There is a defibrillator device located in the reception area, near the fire board.
The nearest hospital Emergency Department is at the Royal Melbourne Hospital located at the corner of Royal Parade and Grattan Street. The Emergency Department entrance is on Grattan Street.
Residents should ensure they report all medical emergencies to the Dean of Students during office hours, or to the Youth Worker or Resident Tutor on duty after hours or during the weekend. They will then escalate to the Dean of Students as required.
First Aid kits are located in reception in the case of less urgent medical concerns. The Resident Tutor or Youth Worker on duty can retrieve the kits at times when reception is unattended.
Note that Resident Tutors, Youth Workers, key staff and students have been trained in first aid.

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