What to do in an emergency

Special procedures are in place for emergencies such as fire, medical emergencies, threats, explosion, biological and chemical hazards and acts of terrorism.  

Fire

In the event of a fire, follow your local fire evacuation procedures. Make sure you know them, not only for your normal place of work but anywhere else you may work.

Medical emergency

If there is a medical emergency contact the nearest first aider (names should be on the nearest health and safety noticeboard) and also call 999 if necessary.

Other emergencies

For all other emergencies, contact the security desk (PDF, 135 KB).  

Bomb or risk of explosion

If you discover a suspicious or unattended parcel or package:

• do not touch, interfere with or move the item, or use your mobile phone or radios anywhere near it
• calmly move away and alert colleagues, including your line manager and fire marshal
• tell everyone to leave the immediate area and keep others away
• contact security or reception, explaining what you've found and where it is

While waiting for further instructions from security, the police or the fire marshals, you should:

• leave the area safely and calmly in line with the emergency evacuation procedures
• go to your fire assembly point and stay there unless advised by an official to go somewhere else
• act positively stay calm
• do not re-enter the building until you have been told it is safe to do so

Fire marshals will do their usual checks and report to the emergency services at the assembly point.

Telephone threats and possible hoax calls

If you receive a bomb threat on a direct line telephone, stay calm and do not hang up the phone. Any information you can gain about the bomb threat will assist investigators.

On receiving a telephone bomb threat, tell your line manager and security immediately. Security will be responsible for contacting the relevant authorities.

If your role involves regularly handling external calls, familiarise yourself with the bomb threat procedure and checklist (DOC, 133 KB).

Biological or chemical threats by post

Terrorist or criminal incidents of this nature are extremely rare. However, for advice on general mail handling and what to do if you suspect a package may contain a biological or chemical substance, see the HSE website.

Other terrorist threats

It’s probably nothing but… if you see or hear anything that could be terrorist related, trust your instincts and call the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321.

If you think you have seen someone acting suspiciously, or if you see a vehicle, unattended package or bag which might be an immediate threat, move away and call 999 (or security if in a council building).

We encourage all employees to view the Stay Safe film, Run, Hide, Tell video on YouTube. It gives advice on the steps you can take to keep yourself safe in the rare event of a firearms or weapons attack.

Action counters terrorism (ACT) awareness course

The Emergency Planning and Resilience team offer training sessions which covers: 

• introduction to terrorism 
• identifying security vulnerabilities 
• how to identify and respond to suspicious activity 
• how to identify and respond to a suspicious item 
• what to do in the event of a bomb threat 
• how to respond to a firearms or weapons attack  

Take the Action Counters Terrorism awareness course on My Learning.