Fire safety equipment is provided and maintained for the safety of all members of the College. The College takes extremely seriously any interference with it. This includes letting off (except in the event of a fire) or tampering with fire extinguishers, jamming open of fire doors, improper use or removal of keys to emergency exits, and interference with, or improper use of, fire escapes and fire exits. Tampering with fire safety equipment is also a criminal offence.
Given the potentially serious, possibly fatal, consequences of the wilful misuse of fire equipment, severe penalties will be imposed on those found responsible for such misuse or damage. They will also be imposed on anyone found to have encouraged others in such misuse or damage. Sanctions may include the withdrawal of the privilege of living in College, or College-owned accommodation or, in the most serious cases, being sent down. In addition, payment in full will be demanded for all damage caused. Under no circumstances will a plea that alcohol or other substance misuse reduced an individual’s judgement be entertained as a mitigating factor.
Severe penalties will also be imposed on those who infringe the regulations regarding the unacceptability of naked flames, including candles, in College accommodation, or who, by other acts or through articles stored in their room, increase the risk of afire.
Full guidance on Fire Safety issues can be found in Section 4 of the Accommodation Handbook.