Emergencies and personal safety

Procedures to follow in the case of an emergency

We’re committed to keeping our students, staff and visitors safe.

Emergencies can occur at any time for a variety of reasons. Be prepared to respond independently, particularly if working after hours.

In an emergency

  1. Dial 1122
  2. Call Campus Security on 0943412819

University of Chitral emergency procedures:

Familiarize yourself with the University’s basic emergency procedures to stay safe on campus.

Other emergency procedures

Emergency evacuation

In some situations you may be required to evacuate. All University staff, students and visitors are required to respond to emergency alarms and follow instructions.

  1. Check for any sign of immediate danger
  2. Shut down equipment/processes that cannot be left unattended
  3. Locate your closest exit
  4. Follow exit signs to find your way out of the building (do not use lifts)
  5. Go to the assembly area

Emergency lockdown

You will be notified of an emergency lockdown by emergency services, security or University emergency responders via building announcements or other mechanisms. These procedures are implemented to ensure building occupants are protected from external threats, e.g. severe storms or civil disturbance.

  1. Remain calm
  2. Stay inside the building
  3. Follow instructions from staff, Campus Security and emergency services

Medical emergencies

If a person is seriously ill or injured don’t hesitate to call 1122 and ask for an ambulance.

  1. Call 1122 and ask for an ambulance
  2. Contact the closest first aider
  3. If the person is unconscious, send for the closest Health Center.
  4. Call Campus Security (0943412819)
  5. Send people to flag and direct the ambulance on arrival

Hazardous material incidents

Hazardous materials include chemicals, biological materials and radioactive substances in all forms. Staff and students working with hazardous materials are required to plan for emergencies including the need to stop work quickly and respond to spills or an uncontrolled release. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for specific hazard information.

General spill procedures

  1. If safe to do so, control the source of release or contain the spill
  2. Evacuate and secure the immediate area
  3. Determine if local and/or emergency services assistance is required

If the incident can be managed locally

  1. Ensure that two trained staff are allocated to clean-up the spill
  2. Use appropriate personal protective equipment
  3. Absorb any free liquids, collect any solids and/or ventilate the area
  4. Collect, label and dispose of spill residue as hazardous waste
  5. Decontaminate the affected area and equipment

If emergency services assistance is required

  1. Call 1122 and security (0943412819)
  2. Ensure staff/students involved in the incident are available to assist the Emergency Services
  3. Contact Safety Health and Wellbeing (0943412819).

Gas leaks

Many of the University’s buildings are serviced by natural gas. This natural gas can be detected by odour.

Natural gas will quickly dissipate in naturally ventilated areas and poses a limited risk of fire or explosion. Despite this, avoid the use of mobile phones (which can be a potential ignition source) in the immediate area.

Gas leak detected OUTSIDE a building

  1. Move away
  2. Call Security (0943 412819)

Gas leak detected INSIDE a building

  1. Warn anyone in immediate danger
  2. Notify local emergency responders
  3. Evacuate to a well ventilated external area
  4. Call Security (0943 412819)

Bomb threats

Bomb threats are usually received via a telephone call. If you receive a bomb threat:

  1. Remain calm
  2. Do not disconnect the call
  3. Call Campus Security (0943 412819)
  4. Notify your supervisor and head of area

Personal threats

The incidence of violence on the University’s campuses is generally lower than that experienced in the general community.

Feel threatened or afraid

  1. Go to a busy place
  2. Attract the attention of other people in the area
  3. Call Campus Security (0943 412819)

Abusive phone call

  1. Hang up
  2. Report the incident to your supervisor and Security (0943 412819)

Aggressive or potentially violent person

  1. Try to remain calm
  2. Alert someone nearby
  3. Be assertive, but polite
  4. Attempt to de-escalate the situation
  5. Activate a duress device or call Security (0943 412819), only if safe to do so

Armed hold-up or intruder

  1. Try to remain calm
  2. Cooperate with the intruder/s
  3. Observe as much as possible, but don’t stare
  4. Call Campus Security (0943 412819), when safe to do so

If you witness an aggressive confrontation on campus, call Campus Security (0943 412819) immediately.

Suspicious behaviour

  1. Politely challenge strangers by asking: “Can I help you?”
  2. Report suspicious behaviour to Security

Do not challenge anyone acting aggressively, and avoid situations where you may be isolated from assistance. If someone responds aggressively to the standard challenge, withdraw from the situation and call Campus Security (0943 412819).

Active shooter/armed attacker

In the event of a threat or attack with a weapon:

  1. RUN (escape). Leave the immediate area, if safe to do so
  2. HIDE. If it is not safe to leave, hide and silence your phone and other devices
  3. FIGHT (act). If you need to hide, constantly re-assess your options to escape or hide in a better location, and prepare to defend yourself as a last resort.

When safe, advise (tell) the police of your situation by dialing 15 or 0943-412077.

University staff: preparing your class to evacuate

University staff in charge of classes are required to help facilitate a safe and efficient response to emergency situations.

Familiarize yourself with the University’s standard emergency response procedures and the emergency exits, safe exit paths and assembly areas for various teaching spaces. In the event of an alarm activation:

  1. Encourage your students to remain calm
  2. Ask the students to pack up their personal belongings and prepare to evacuate
  3. Check that the available exits are clear and free of danger
  4. Direct students to evacuate and where to assemble
  5. Once the room has been cleared, proceed to the assembly area
  6. Report any problems to the chief warden, Campus Security or the attending emergency services

Staying safe on campus

  • If you’re feeling unsafe on campus or you’re concerned for the safety of others, call Campus Security on0943-412819 24 hours a day.
  • Keep your contact details up to date in UoCH Student so alerts can be sent to your mobile in the event of an on-campus emergency.
  • Some areas of the University pose specific risks to health and safety, such as laboratories and workshops. Access to these areas is restricted. Find out more information about restricted areas.
  • If you have a medical condition or disability that could impact on your health or safety on campus, please disclose this confidentially to relevant staff.
  • Report incidents, hazards and other safety concerns to relevant local staff, Campus Security (0943-412819) or Safety Health & Wellbeing (0943-412819).

Lost something?

If you’ve lost an item, contact Campus Assist on 094341-2819. If you find an item, please hand it to the closest Campus Assist desk or Security officer.

Maintenance

If you notice a maintenance or work health and safety issue, contact Campus Assist on 0943-412819.