WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY

Some emergencies are inevitable. They can occur at any time, and can arise from a number of causes including fire, medical emergencies, chemical spills, gas leaks, bomb threats and physical threats. The first priority in any emergency situation is the safety of all people who may be in danger.

• Emergency Contact Numbers
• Be Prepared
• Alarms
• Emergency Response
• Medical Emergencies
• Phone Threats
• Personal Safety
• Unattended Bags or other Suspicious Items
• Suspicious Behaviour
• Emergency Lockdown

Police, Fire, Ambulance: 0-000
If you are calling from an external line or mobile phone, dial 000.

Local Emergency Contact Numbers (where applicable)

Campus	9am - 5pm	After Hours
Camperdown/Darlington/Mallet Street	9351-3333	9351-3333
Camden Campus	9351-1665	0417 695 859
Sydney College of the Arts	9351-1026	9351-1026
Cumberland Campus	3 (internal) 9351-9230 (external)	3 (internal) 9351-9230 (external)
Australian Technology Park	9209 4666	9209 4666
Conservatorium of Music	9351-1300	0416 053 417

The key to successful emergency response is being prepared. To ensure that you are prepared, discuss your local emergency procedures with your supervisor. Make sure that you are familiar with:

• The alarm tones in your building/s.
• The closest emergency exits.
• The assembly areas for your building/s.
• Local emergency personnel – Wardens and Nominated First Aid Officers.
• Any specific emergency procedures that relate to your work or work area (eg. chemical spills, emergency machinery shutdown, armed intruders).

The University's emergency alarm systems vary from building to building. Following is a summary of the general response to an alarm activation:

EVACUATE THE BUILDING

1. Check for any sign of immediate danger
2. Shut down equipment and processes
3. Follow the EXIT signs
4. Escort visitors and those who require assistance
5. Do not use lifts
6. Proceed to assembly area

Do not enter a building while an alarm is sounding, or re-enter an evacuated building until the "all clear" has been announced by University emergency personnel or the attending Emergency Services.

Not all emergencies will commence with an alarm activation. Following is a summary of the general emergency response procedures:

1. Warn anyone in immediate danger
2. Fight the fire or contain the emergency, if safe and trained to do so

If necessary...

1. Close the door, if safe to do so
2. Activate the 'Break Glass' Alarm
3. Evacuate via your closest safe EXIT
4. Report the emergency 0-000 and 1-3333

If a person is seriously injured or ill, call an ambulance immediately 0-000. Be ready to provide the following details:

• your name,
• location,
• number of people involved, and
• details of the medical emergency.

Call your local emergency number to alert Security who will escort or direct the Ambulance/Medical Personnel to the site of the emergency and arrange for First Aid to be provided in the interim.

Send staff/students to the main building/property entrance to flag the ambulance as it approaches.

First Aid
Nominated First Aid Officers are located in most University Buildings. However, where a local first aid officer is not available, call your local emergency number to arrange for First Aid assistance.

University Health Service
The University Health Service offers a general practitioner and "walk in" service for staff, students and visitors on the Camperdown/Darlington Campus. Priority is given to emergencies or those in pain or distress. The University Health Service is located at Level 3 Wentworth Building (G01) Phone 9351-3484 and Entry Level Holme Building (A09) Phone 9351-4095.

Bomb threats are usually received as a telephone call. The person who recieves the threat should:

1. Keep Calm.
2. Use the Bomb Threat Checklist to record as much information as possible.
3. Notify your local Security Service or the Police without delay.
4. Notify their supervisor.

If you feel threatened or afraid for any reason:

1. Go to a busy place or attract the attention of other people in the area.
2. Contact your local Security Service or the Police (0-000).

Tips to keep you safe on campus

• Be alert and walk purposefully. Confidence deters attackers.
• Avoid poorly lit or lonely areas.
• Use Preferred Pedestrian Routes through campus.
• Where possible walk with a friend, form a group or stay with a crowd.
• Report any suspicious behaviour to your local security service or the Police.
• Be aware of the Emergency Help Points on the Camperdown/Darlington and Cumberland Campuses.

For further information please refer to the UniSafe Program.

Emergency Help Points are flat surfaced phones with press button action. They are positioned at prominent locations on the Camperdown/Darlington and Cumberland Campuses, commonly on electronic information signs and gatehouses. Each Phone dials directly to the local Security Service.

If you see an unattended bag or other item that looks unusual or suspicious:

• Do not disturb the item.
• Move away.
• Report it to Security.

Normal behaviour will vary dependant on the individual and the situation. Therefore, all staff and students are encouraged to:

• Become familiar with your work/study environment, colleagues and fellow students.
• Politely challenge strangers by asking “can I help you?”
• Report any suspicious behaviour or circumstances to Security without delay.

Tips to keep you safe

• Do not challenge any person acting aggressively.
• Avoid confrontations with strangers (eg. if you receive an aggressive response to the standard challenge, withdraw from the situation and report it to Security without delay).
• Avoid situations where you may be isolated from assistance.

For further information refer to the section on Personal Safety.

Building emergency procedures are traditionally focused on the safe evacuation of staff, students and visitors. This is an appropriate response to most emergency situations (eg. fire, gas leak, internal release of hazardous materials), but in some situations it may actually be safer to stay inside the building.

An emergency lockdown will be implemented when necessary to ensure that the occupants of University Buildings are protected from an external threat, including but not limited to, violent incidents, civil disturbance or severe storms. An emergency lockdown may also be implemented in situations when additional pedestrian traffic on campus may hinder the work of the attending emergency services.

You will be notified of an emergency lockdown by the attending Emergency Services personnel, Security Patrol or your Chief Warden, via the building’s emergency warning PA system or another mechanism. In the event of an emergency lockdown:

• Follow the instruction from Emergency Services personnel, Security Patrol or Emergency Wardens
• Stay away from exposed windows
• If possible, maintain phone and email access
• If possible, maintain contact with your colleagues and/or fellow students.

Notes:
Last updated: 05/06/08
Page maintained by: Matthew Mitchell, OHS & Injury Management