Emergency procedures

Fire incidents

If you discover a fire

• If the fire alarm has not activated, shout “FIRE” to alert those around you
• Operate the nearest fire alarm call point
• When safe to do so, dial (9)999 and ask for the Fire & Rescue Service

If you hear the fire alarm

• Leave the building by the nearest available escape route and go to your assembly area
• If you require support to evacuate, follow the instructions detailed in your personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP)
• If you do not have a PEEP and require assistance, go to a temporary waiting space, where provided, and follow the instructions in that area
• Lifts must not be used in the event of fire, unless designated as a fire evacuation lift

Call to the Fire and Rescue Service

In the event of a fire or other serious incident requiring the attendance of the Fire and Rescue Service:

• State your name, location and telephone number
• All calls to the Fire and Rescue Service will be met with a ‘call challenging’ procedure, whereby you will be asked a series of questions to ascertain if the Fire and Rescue Service is required. Once you have been advised that they will mobilise their fire crews, you will be asked for the address and if known, the location and type of fire involved
• If possible, arrange for someone to be at the main entrance to the building, to show the Emergency Services the way to the incident

Injury or ill health 

If you are not qualified in first aid yourself, send for the nearest available Appointed Person, Emergency First Aider or First Aider, who will take charge of the situation. Contacts should be listed on First Aid notices around the building. 

If no qualified First Aiders are available and there is concern regarding serious injury or ill health, ensure that an ambulance is called.

Call to the Scottish Ambulance Service

In the event of a serious injury or ill health requiring the attendance of the Ambulance Service:

• State your name, location and telephone number
• The Ambulance Service operator may ask you to describe the casualty’s condition, first aid measures applied etc., and will assess the seriousness of the event – follow their instructions
• If possible, arrange for someone to be at the main entrance to the building, to show the Emergency Services the way to the incident

If you suspect that a casualty has been poisoned, alert Accident and Emergency, dial (9) (0131) 536 1000, so that A&E staff can get information from the Poisons Bureau.

Crime, threat, violence or anti-social behaviour

In the event of an emergency where there is a threat to life, a crime is in progress or, any other serious incident that requires an immediate police response.

Call Police Scotland

• State your name, location and telephone number
• Highly trained service advisors will then ask a range of questions depending on the circumstances, to ensure a full assessment of the situation can be made to protect the caller, responding officers and the wider public
• If possible, arrange for someone to be at the main entrance to the building, to show the Emergency Services the way to the incident

Call to University Security for all emergency situations

Having called (9)999 and requested the attendance of the emergency services, you must ensure that University Security is also called as soon as possible, to alert them of the incident.

• The University’s emergency number is 2222, but is only available from the University internal telephone system
• Those who do not have access to an internal phone should call University Security from their mobile phone by dialling (0131) 650 2257

University Security website

Reporting of injury or fire to the Health and Safety Department

Ensure that the University Health and Safety Department is informed as soon as practicable of any accidents or dangerous incidents. In the case of serious incidents, a report should be made promptly by emailing Health and Safety.

Email Health and Safety 

In due course, a report of all fires, accidents and other safety related incidents must be sent to the Health and Safety Department by means of the University online Accident and Incident reporting system.

Report an accident or incident