Keep the emergency number handy

In the event of an emergency at any University site, the first phone number you should dial is 3365 3333.

That’s the message that the Associate Director of the University’s Occupational Health and Safety Unit Gary Chaplin would like to get across to all staff.

“Last year we had several incidents at outlying University sites where staff were unsure who to notify in the event of a crisis or a major event,” he said.

“People told their bosses about the event, and the news travelled up through their sections, but they belatedly notified the obvious place to call, which is University Security.

“In the event of any emergency, University Security is the first point of emergency contact at telephone 3365 3333, not Emergency services on phone 000.

“You will find the emergency number on the back of your staff or student card.

“Security will call Emergency Services if needed and will direct them to the relevant location to avoid delays.

“Security can provide a centrally co-ordinated response with external agencies such as fire services, police and ambulance, and liaise within the University, advising senior executive members as appropriate.

“This can prevent confusion problems.”

Mr Chaplin said the procedure to ring University Security first in the case of emergency applied to all University locations.

This included all campuses, remote research stations, faculties, schools, divisions, centres or institutes whether in their own premises, or in the premises of other organisations, such as hospitals.

“Emergencies include major events such as fires, spills, explosions, bomb threats and serious injuries,” he said.

“Fortunately, these are very rare, but we wish all staff to know the correct procedure.”

Mr Chaplin said he would write to heads of organisational units to enter the emergency University telephone number in their mobile phone contact lists.

Last year the Occupational Health and Safety Unit produced laminated emergency procedure cards for every University staff member, with information on emergency evacuation for fire, medical emergencies and environmental incidents.

Additional copies are available from Voice Operations section, Information Technology Services (the University switchboard) telephone 3365 1111 or dial internal University extension 9.

Contact: Jan King 0413 601 248.