The importance of these exercises cannot be over-emphasised as knowledge of evacuation drills will save lives in the event of a real emergency. It is also a statutory requirement to conduct regular building evacuations and ALL occupants of a building have to participate and follow instructions given during these evacuations (refusal to cooperate is a serious and punishable offence).

The Central Occupational Health and Safety Office of UP has to observe and report on the evacuation and must address any shortcomings or problems identified during the evacuation. It is therefore of the essence for EVERYONE to participate in order to identify possible problems, to be prepared and to be informed, should an emergency situation occur.

To achieve the desired results, all personnel need to undergo training and also be made aware of their responsibility in the case of an emergency, especially towards students in lecture halls.

To all who participated and made this exercise successful, THANK YOU!

Roland Henwood
for the Humanities Occupational Health and Safety Committee
on behalf of the Dean, Sandra Klopper