Updates to Langwith and Constantine colleges
As part of maintaining a safe and secure living environment within our colleges, we regularly conduct thorough checks of our buildings, with a particular focus on fire safety. Following a recent review, we have potentially identified the need for some work to be done on the fire-stopping cavity barriers in the buildings at Langwith and Constantine colleges.
We can reassure you that these buildings are safe but we know there are rightly heightened concerns about fire safety at the moment, and we take this matter very seriously.
We are therefore detailing below the additional steps we are putting in place to further increase safety whilst this work is being carried out. We have an independent fire consultant working with us, and the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have been informed of and supported our additional precautionary safety measures, and conduct frequent inspections on campus.
Next steps
Investigation and follow up work to rectify the cavity barriers will take place in the coming months and we apologise in advance for any disruption or inconvenience.
During this time, we will put in place a series of additional measures, including 24/7 fire warden monitoring with our campus safety team for enhanced security.
Our existing fire safety management standards will continue, including:
- L1 category fire alarm systems - the highest level of protection - installed in all areas of the Langwith and Constantine colleges, including bedrooms, kitchens and communal areas. Where an L1 category fire alarm sounds, everyone must leave the building
- Fire safety checks and drills
- Clear exit routes and emergency procedures for full evacuation
- Protected corridors, staircases and fire doors, and dedicated fire equipment such as fire blankets and extinguishers
- Local staff and fire wardens are trained to undertake proactive and reactive fire safety duties, which include routine fire safety checks.
How students can help
We remind you of the importance of completing your fire safety training as part of your induction on your student account and being familiar with fire prevention guidance. Please ensure that you know the location of emergency exits within your building.
Our general fire safety tips include:
- Always leave the building when the fire alarm sounds
- Only use British standard fused plugs or adaptors
- Report broken or damaged electrical sockets or equipment
- Never smoke in or near University accommodation or buildings, including e-cigarettes and vapes
- Do not have candles or incense burners – these are not allowed, even if they’re just for decoration
- Never leave laptops or mobiles on charge when you are not in
More information
If you have any concerns or questions regarding fire safety, please do not hesitate to contact accommodation@york.ac.uk. For those with personal emergency evacuation plans, we will be in touch directly to ensure you have the support and reassurance needed.