Building wardens

Building wardens and assistant wardens are part of the Building Incident Control Organisations and have specific responsibilites regarding incident response and evacuation.

The Chief Warden has the authority to direct all University staff, students, contractors and visitors following the declaration of an incident requiring control or during an incident control exercise.

Wardens are responsible for:

• Under the direction of their Chief Warden, carrying out their duties in the event of an incident as described in their building's Incident Control Plan.
• Reporting to their Chief Warden any observed fire or evacuation hazards or unsafe conditions.
• Advising their Chief Warden of absences so that appropriate deputies can be appointed.

Wardens have the authority to direct all University staff, students, contractors and visitors following the declaration of an incident requiring control or during an incident control exercise.

To see how building wardens fit into the overall incident control structure consult the Emergency Management Procedures (PDF).

All building wardens need to undergo incident control training, which is coordinated and arranged by the University's Incident Control Coordinator.

Download the Chief Warden List for the Chief and Deputy Chief Wardens for each building.

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) – helping people evacuate safely

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) are tailored documents developed for individual building occupants with a permanent or temporary disability who may need assistance in an emergency.

The Australian Standard for Planning for Emergencies in Facilities (AS3745) recommends that occupants requiring assistance to evacuate in an emergency should have a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP).

It is not mandatory to have a PEEP and if an individual prefers not to have one in place, their wishes will be respected.

If you feel that you may require assistance in the event of an emergency, please contact your buildings’ Chief Warden.

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans should identify during an emergency:

• Predetermined safe and efficient egress route(s) and/or safe refuge area for the occupant to use
• The type of assistance the occupant requires
• Any equipment that may be required for the occupant to evacuate safely
• Identify building occupants to assist the person
• Identify if any assistance animal involved

The above list is not exhaustive and any other requirements that are outside the scope of the above points, may be considered in the preparation of the Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan.

How do I prepare my PEEP?

If you feel that you may require assistance in the event of an emergency, please contact your buildings’ Chief Warden.

Preparation of the plan must be a collaborative effort between the occupant, Chief Warden and any identified assistants once the occupant has expressed agreement in preparation of the PEEP.

Individuals can approach the Chief Warden of the building in which they are an occupant to help prepare and document their PEEP with them. Once agreement has been reached, including any nominated assistants, the PEEP is signed and a completed copy is held by the:

• Person requiring assistance
• Designated assistants
• Chief Warden (in the building Fire Information Panel to assist fire emergency services)
• Electronic copy must be sent to Flinders University Emergency Planning Committee (EPC)

Does my PEEP require regular review?

Yes, all active PEEPs at Flinders require verification at least every 12 months to ensure the details are current and the person still

• requires assistance
• resides in the building

Any changes to a PEEP must be in consultation with agreement from the individual, Chief Warden and the nominated assistants, documented and resubmitted electronically to the University Emergency Planning Committee.

This is both a requirement of the University Emergency Plan for all Chief Wardens and is also one of the criteria Chief Wardens must meet to receive the Chief Warden allowance.

Changes may occur due to:

• Assistant(s), warden, chief warden personnel changes
• physical location changes,
• building modifications and / or,
• PEEP was temporary while recovering and no longer required,
• other circumstances change (i.e. may need extra or less assistance).

For further information, please see the building wardens page or the emergency response procedures page.