Detailed below are the Fire Evacuation procedures and some guidelines to assist you in case of emergency. Please take the time to read these carefully , as it is very important that you understand what you need to do in case of an emergency.
In the event of the Fire Alarm sounding, follow the five points below:
- Remain Calm
- Leave immediately, do not wait around to collect your belongings
- Ensure the room is empty upon leaving and shut your room door
- Quickly evacuate the building at your nearest Emergency Exit
- Do not use the lift
- Wait at the designated meet point which is situated at the end of Bell Yard (linking to Carey Street) and wait next to the Royal Courts of Justice for further instructions from your Fire Marshalls.
The Fire Marshalls will undertake a search of the building to ensure the building is clear. If they are in a position they will attempt to tackle the fire, however, their main responsibility is to ensure Members, staff and visitors are clear of any danger. Please follow their guide.
FIRE DRILLS
Argent Chambers undertakes two fire drills throughout the year, which is the minimum legal requirement. It is also a way in which we can test that our evacuation procedures work, that we can clear the premises within the appropriate timescale (4 minutes) and that we have no hazards from preventing evacuation. We also undertake weekly sound test of the alarm - you are not required to leave the building when you hear this and it will only be a short blast of the alarm.
HOW TO RAISE THE ALARM
In the event of a fire, it is vital the alarm is raised as soon as possible. The alarm activation points are small red boxes and these are located on the walls in the main stairwell on each floor. The basement activation point are next to the kitchen. Please familiarise yourself where they are. If you need to activate the alarm, just break the glass.
The Fire Marshalls are John Holland, Lucy Chambers, Will Taborn and Danny Jones.
FIRE ALARM SOUND
The fire alarm is a high-pitched raucous noise and will be continuous until turned off.
ESCAPE ROUTES
We have two main evacuation routes, which are both accessed by the main stairwell. The main one is through the front doors on the ground floor, which you will be familiar with, as this is the main entrance to and from the building. In case you are unable to exit the building by this method, due to the fire or smoke, the alternative route would be on the 4th floor through the emergency roof door, break the glass to this door with the hammer linked to the door to release the lock. Follow the external stairwell (on the roof) and go into 6 Bell Yard and then follow the main stairwell out through the ground floor. Please do not use the lift when evacuating the building. Whatever route you use, please make sure that you report to the Assembly Point as soon as you can and provide as much information as possible to the Fire Marshall or Emergency services i.e. are there anyone else trapped.
UNABLE TO ESCAPE
If you are trapped and are unable to escape, make sure that all Fire Doors are closed and where possible seal any gaps in the door i.e. between the bottom of the door and the carpet. The smoke of the fire causes the majority of deaths and not the actual fire, therefore, sealing the gaps will assist in preventing the smoke coming through at a quicker rate, therefore, giving you more time.
Where possible keep all windows closed, if the fire is on the floor below, there is the possibility that the smoke could come up the outside of the building and into the room you are trapped. It is also worth noting that smoke can carry fire, so having the window open could mean the fire may spread more quickly. However, there has to be a balance, as you do need to get the attention of people and by opening a window and shouting would be the easiest way. These days the majority of people do have mobile telephones, which is another way to inform people you are trapped.
If the room does start filling with smoke, get as low as possible to the ground, as the smoke will always go to the highest point and then work its way down. Please note, the size of the rooms in chambers, you will only be looking at minutes if the room does start to fill up with smoke before the room is totally engulfed.
If you need to open a Fire Door (or any closed door), we would advise only do this as a very last resort and follow these guidelines:
- Use your eyes, ears and smell to sense the surroundings.
- Slightly touch the door, preferably the handle with the back of your hand and test for heat. The back of your hand is more sensitive and will come away from the door in cases of extreme heat. Do not grab the handle, as there is a chance your hand will get stuck to the handle.
- Get into a crouching position and when opening, use the door as a shield to protect you.
- Have a quick look, in a second or two you should be able to analyse some of the situation i.e. is there smoke, fire. If the room seems safe slowly move inwards, but ensuring you maintain your escape route.
If possible, we would strongly recommend that you stay where you are, as it will become more difficult to locate you if you move around the building.
