Disruption to ASS study spaces due to fire safety improvements

By Nina Bryant, Deputy News Editor

The University has announced there will be a disruption to ASS library seats during Easter break, due to works improving the fire safety of the building.

This work is being done urgently, following recommendation from external consultants. They will be putting additional safety evacuation procedures in place, in order to accommodate the vast capacity of the ASS study spaces in the event of a fire.

The University Library Services have assured students that there will be additional security staff in the library for the time being, in order to supervise evacuation in the case of a fire.

New temporary study spaces will be put in place in order to compensate for the closing off of some of the ASS study seats whilst this work is being carried out.

Library Services have announced that there will be approximately 200 study seats available in Senate House 5th floor teaching spaces, from 6pm to 10pm Monday to Friday. They have also stated that from April 6 there will be approximately 300 study spaces in Ivy Gate at weekends, from 8am to 6pm.

Speaking about the disruption, a University spokesperson has said:

'We’re very sorry to inform students that we will be restricting the occupancy of the Arts and Social Sciences Library over the coming months. This is due to a recent report from external consultants who have recommended urgent work to provide safe evacuation of the building in the unlikely event of a fire.

We appreciate that making these changes at short notice will cause temporary disruption to study spaces at a busy time in the academic year. Teaching spaces in Senate House and Ivy Gate (the temporary classrooms in Royal Fort Gardens) will be made available as additional study space, and noisy works will be timetabled to coincide with the lowest periods of occupancy.

We must prioritise the safety of our students and staff and we would like to thank them for their patience and understanding throughout the works. We will provide regular updates and minimise disruption wherever we can.

The risks of a fire are low but, because everyone’s safety is paramount, we will begin work as quickly as possible with the aim of having it completed during the summer break, in time for the autumn term.'

Students are reminded they can check availability of study spaces across the University online: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/study-spaces/

Featured Image: Unsplash / Susan Yin