Power failure

• Call Security: Use the UoA Alert app or phone 0800 373 7550
• Be alert to a possible fire (obvious signs of smoke or fire). Acrid 'electrical burning' smells may point to the cause of the power failure
• Is there a fire? Evacuate and call the Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) - 111
• Check on the extent of power outage e.g. one level, building, campus, local district
• Where appropriate, make work safe by closing down experiments and ensuring appropriate storage of hazardous materials
• Switch off machinery/equipment at its power source (otherwise it will start up again once power is restored)
• Labs: Open windows to vent fumes as fume cupboard will have shut down
• Staff: Liaise with wardens to consider evacuation
• Emergency Lighting: Most emergency lighting will only last between 30 to 90 minutes, so evacuate upper floors of the building in this time and assemble at a lower floor or go to a neighbouring building that has power and lights
• Check for people trapped in lifts and other enclosed spaces (chillers, toilets etc). If necessary, follow the Lift Entrapment procedure
• Do not re-enter the building/campus without authorisation from Property Services
• Wait for instructions from University management regarding a building or campus closure
• If the building is closed and you are instructed to go home, be aware that normal services and infrastructure may be disabled e.g. traffic lights, signals, automatic gates and garage doors. Consider walking in a group to a designated point to reach public transport or to be picked up by family to get home

Document Control
Version: 2.0
Last Updated: Oct 2025
Next Review: Oct 2028
Owner: hsw@auckland.ac.nz
Approver: Associate Director, Health Safety & Wellbeing