Buildings and physical fire safety measures at BIO

Fire alarm system category 2, full sprinkler system. Smoke hatches in the main stairwell.

The support system is made of non-combustible materials and divided into fire cells/staircases.

In  Bioblokken (TM55) there is a traditional fire alarm with a bell sound.

In the A&B block (“Biologen” - TM53A/B), the fire alarm is an alternating combination of voice notifications and an electronic ringtone.

In the event of an alarm, a message will be audible in the corridors. This message may vary depending on the origin of the alarm. Listen to the content of the message; you will be instructed what to do. You may be asked to "leave the building" or to "wait for further instructions". The alarm alternates between Norwegian and English voice messages, and a ringtone.

If you have impaired hearing, you may get an additional warning system installed inside your office: a red flashing light or a buzzer that beeps. The same applies to working in spaces with inherently high noise levels or with the necessity to use ear protection wear. Contact the reception or the user representative in your building if you need such equipment.

Be aware that the use of headphones may make it difficult to hear the fire alarm, even if your hearing abilities are normal. Be aware of the problem and remember that you are responsible for your own safety. If you choose to work with headphones, find a way to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, in case of the need to evacuate. The habit of using headphones does not entitle you to additional warning devices.

Escape routes are marked with green signs and arrows; in the case of evacuation, follow the arrows. You are responsible for familiarising yourself with the different escape routes from your workplace; use some time to investigate them thoroughly. Many escape routes have emergency exists – doors which are normally locked but open automatically in the event of a fire alarm. If such a door fails to open when the fire alarm is activated, use the manual door opener (a green box located on the wall next to the door).

Below is a schematic view of the evacuation routes from the two buildings (HiB; TM55 and Biologen; TM53A/B).

Evacuation procedure TM55 ("Bioblokken", Høyteknologisenteret)

Photo:

UiB

Evacuation procedure TM53A/B ("Biologen")

Photo:

UiB

After leaving the building during fire drills, actual fire alarms or evacuations for any other reason, meet at the assembly point. For UiB premises in Marineholmen the assembly point is by the Propeller, between Datablokken and VilVite:

Assembly point

Photo:

UiB

Important: Stay out of the way! Stand on the gravel, leave the road for rescue vehicles. The point of evacuating the building is to keep everyone safe and to allow the fire brigade and the rescue crews to do their job quickly, effectively, and undisturbed. While gathering at the propeller, make sure that the rescue cars can easily drive through and that the rescue personnel have enough space to do their tasks. It's not allowed to enter the building as long as the fire alarm is still on. Wait until further notice from the people with yellow vest.

Assembly building in the case of a prolonged closing due to fire or fire alarm

If the situation is not resolved quickly, we can be invited to stay in VilVite, TM51, which is our designated assembly building ("mottaksbygg") in the case of fire.

You should wait for further instruction from the user representative and the site managers before entering VilVite.

You are responsible for familiarising yourself with the location and usage of the following equipment: fire extinguishers, fire blankets, fire hoses, emergency showers, eye showers etc. You will receive basic information on the topic while completing the Safety Pass. You are also obliged to complete a digital course on fire safety, which provides lots of useful information. Yet, getting to know the details in the specific areas where you will be working is your own duty. Use some time to locate this type of equipment. Ask the site managers and/or technical staff if you have any questions.

Fire extinguishers and fire hoses are marked with appropriate wall signs. There is one hose at the end of each corridor, on each floor. Fire extinguishers and fire blankets are placed less regularly, therefore dedicate some time to finding them in your closest surroundings. Emergency showers are placed in marked locations – familiarise yourself with which they are..

If a fire breaks out and you are not able to extinguish it immediately, using available extinguishing equipment, activate a manual fire alarm as soon as possible. Manual fire alarms are located on each floor next to the emergency exits and are coupled directly the fire department. Familiarise yourself with where these are mounted.

Photo:

UiB