Emergency Do’s and Don’ts That Could Keep You Safe
As we continue to discover new ways to enjoy 144 Oxford’s incredible amenities, it’s important not to lose sight of critical safety fundamentals. In this article, we’ll cover a few key DOs and DON’Ts which will keep you safe in the event of an emergency.
What should I do in the event of an emergency?
Keeping a cool head in a high-stress situation is not always easy, so if you forget everything else remember this: there are 2 Emergency Assistants on our floor. You can find their names* on the emergency information boards located in the Work Cafes.
If you find yourself feeling panicked and unsure about what to do, reach out to them for guidance. You can also phone the Control Room: 011 638 0428 to alert them of the situation
*The Kumba HSE team is in the process of finalising the appointees alongside Anglo American Group.
In addition, there are red emergency phones* located on all emergency escape staircases and the lift lobby. These will connect you directly with the reception and the BMS control room.
*Red emergency phones are managed by Servest Security, not Anglo American.
If a medical emergency arises that calls for immediate intervention, you can make use of the emergency equipment located in the Fireman’s Lift. It is situated adjacent to the main elevators in the Fireman’s lift lobby. Here you’ll find an AED, oxygen cylinder, first aid kit and additional equipment to help move an immobilised colleague.
In the event of a fire, alert an Emergency Assistant or contact the Control Room.
Alternatively, make use of the red BGU break glass units located at all of the emergency exits. These will activate the building fire alarm, prompting an evacuation. DO NOT press the red BGUs when the alarm has already been sounded. They will need to be reset before anyone can enter the building, causing unnecessary delays.
DO NOT try to combat a fire on your own. There is an external fire department with supporting floor wardens onsite with the expertise to handle it safely (1 fire warden is assigned to every 2 floors). In the event of an emergency they will assist medically unfit colleagues* to the fireman’s lift lobby.
*Medically unfit colleagues must wait inside the fireman’s lift lobby until they are taken down to the fireman’s lift.
What should I do in the event of an evacuation?
When the evacuation alarm sounds the first thing you should do is take it seriously.
Listen to the Emergency Assistants and close any nearby windows and doors (do not lock) if it is safe to do so. Those wearing high heels should change into a pair of flat shoes, which should be in your work bag and can be stored in your daily locker.
If you were enjoying a drink, leave it on a nearby surface. Spills can lead to colleagues slipping and falling down a flight of stairs. Trying to save your cappuccino simply is not worth it. While making your way to an emergency exit, stick to the left, and walk briskly, but DO NOT run.
It is vital that you use the nearest emergency exit to avoid congestion.
There are 4 emergency exits located on the North East, South East, South West and North West corners of floor 2, which lead to various assembly points at the front (West: Assembly Point A) and rear of the building (East: Assembly Point B).
Both the emergency staircases and fireman’s lift lobby have a fire retardancy rating of 2 hours.
These critical ‘safety cell’ areas are secured with self-closure doors to ensure the high-pressure ventilation system functions properly. DO NOT wedge the emergency escape doors open. They must remain closed to maintain pressure and prevent smoke from entering the emergency staircases and fireman’s lift lobby.
As a security precaution, once you reach the emergency doors on the ground floor, you’ll need to press the green BGU break glass unit in order for them to open. DO NOT loiter around the emergency exits once you are outside. This creates unnecessary blockages.
Emergency Assistants will serve as a ‘visual marker’ indicating where you need to gather within the assembly point. Here is how to spot them: each will wear a white hard hat, reflective vest and a black backpack with a floor number on it in yellow. Look for the Emergency Assistant adorned with floor number 2 and move there.
