Scientists conducting research for Oxford University were asked not to conduct any experiments after 6pm because of lack of fire cover.

The precaution -- now on hold as talks go ahead to resolve the firefighters dispute -- was among a host of measures to minimise the risk of fire, and would have disrupted PhD students' studies in particular.

A memo was sent out to university departments across the city.

The precautions included working hours being restricted to 8am-7pm, with staff required to vacate all premises outside those times.

Experimental work in science and clinical departments would only have been allowed on weekdays from 8am-6pm, and all libraries were to close at 7pm.

Smokers who work for the university were warned they would not have been allowed to smoke on university grounds, even in designated areas.

Firefighters were due to hold a 48-hour strike on October 29 in pursuit of their 40 per cent pay claim.

Action has now been suspended, but the firefighters are threatening to strike on Wednesday, November 6, if the talks collapse.

A university spokesman said that if tomorrow's strike had gone ahead, people would only have been able to carry out research experiments outside normal hours under strict supervision.

In the event of strikes going ahead, the spokesman added: "If requests are made for experiments after hours, people will have to do that via their heads of department and the requests will be filed to the safety officer. Precautions will be in place only during the days on which there will be a fire service strike.

"But obviously there have been concerns about experiments using flammable materials, so it will have to be carefully discussed."

Staff would also be told to switch off, where possible, mains operated computing equipment outside working hours.

Fire precautions at the John Radcliffe Hospital, where medical research is also carried out, were also reviewed.