Routine health and safety inspections often identify fire regulations breaches. Such breaches put staff and students at risk so these breaches need to stop. The most common breaches are detailed below.
Wedging of Fire Doors
The practice of wedging open fire doors is dangerous and a serious breach of university fire regulations. Fire doors are provided to prevent the spread of fire/smoke and to protect fire escape routes. If they are wedged open, they will not do this.
Fire doors may only be wedged open in exceptional circumstances and only in a well managed way.
Inappropriate Storage in Corridors and Lobbies
The practice of storing combustible materials (publications, etc.) in corridors and lift lobbies is inappropriate and potentially unsafe. These areas invariably form part of the fire escape route or are designated as safe refuges for people in wheelchairs.
Corridors and lobbies should always be kept free of obstructions. If you are arranging or expecting a delivery of materials (whatever they are) please ensure that you are notified on their arrival and that they are placed in a more appropriate storage location without delay.
See the link below for more details: https://staff.shu.ac.uk/HealthandSafety/RoutineBreaches.asp
If you have any queries regarding this article please contact the Health and Safety Service on ext. 4515 or https://staff.shu.ac.uk/healthandsafety/