Access Arts Inc. defines a Member as any person who has filled out a membership form to join the organisation.

Staff are defined as persons engaged in Office, workshop/project or program, Volunteer or Student placement work at Access Arts Inc.

Purpose:

To ensure all Access Arts Inc. Staff and Members are aware of the correct evacuation protocol in case of fire, threatening behaviour or other critical incidents in the office, workshop and program sites.

Policy:

• All office, workshop and program sites must undergo a fire drill at the beginning of every term.

• All office, workshop and program sites must have a “Protocol in Case of Fire” document located where it is accessible and easy to read.

• All Staff and Members are to evacuate according to the “Protocol in Case of Fire” document.

• At least one office Staff member is to receive Fire Warden training.

• All Members and Staff are to follow the nominated Senior Staff member’s instructions (Executive Director or their delegate) until emergency services arrive.

• If an incident occurs that requires emergency services to be called, all Staff and Members are to follow their instructions.

Evacuation Procedure

Fire Drill Procedure:

• The Workshop or Program Coordinator must first settle on an appropriate date and time for the drill and inform the Access Arts Inc office (the second week is often better in order to let Participants settle in first).

• The Workshop or Program Coordinator is then to inform all workshop/program Staff, Volunteers and Participants that there will be a fire drill at some stage during the term.

• At the time of the fire drill the Workshop or Program Coordinator must then facilitate the proceedings, referring to the “Protocol in Case of Fire” document located at every office workshop and program site.

Protocol in case of Fire (Workshop):

There are two fire alarms that will sound

1. The first one is to prepare to leave.

2. The second alarm is the signal to leave.

• If a fire starts in the workshop or program space notify a Senior Staff member (the person who is running the program).

• The Senior Staff member will then assess the situation and inform all present about the evacuation procedure.

Evacuation Procedure (for fire and other catastrophes):

• All Members and Staff are to move quietly out of the designated exit.

• The Senior Staff member will instruct Members and Staff on the safe area in which to gather.

• The nominated Senior Staff member will then do a head count and record all names of those present.

• If needed, the Senior Staff member will then send someone to call the Fire Brigade, the number of which is to be located in the “Protocol in Case of Fire” document at every workshop or program site.

• The Fire Warden and Senior Office Staff are then to be notified, the numbers for which is to be located in the “Protocol in Case of Fire” document.

• Nobody is to re-enter the building until the all clear has been given by the Fire Brigade, other appropriate authorities or a Senior Staff member.

Protocol in case of fire (Office):

There are two fire alarms that will sound

1. The first one is to prepare to leave.

2. The second alarm is the signal is to leave.

• If the fire has started in the Access Arts Inc. office notify the Executive Director and the Fire Warden, the numbers for which are located on the “Protocol in Case of Fire” document.

• Senior Staff will then instruct on the evacuation procedure.

• If the Fire Brigade is needed, break the glass in the red box located near the front door on the left.

• If the Fire Brigade is not needed, use the extinguisher or fire hose located near the front door on the left.