When it comes to safety, having a well-prepared fire evacuation plan is essential. Whether you’re at home, work, or any other location, knowing how to respond during a fire emergency can save lives. Whether you manage a business, run a school, or a leisure business, you have a legal duty to be able to evacuate your property in case of an emergency. To do this, you need to have a suitable and sufficient fire evacuation plan. Let’s consider the key steps for creating an effective evacuation plan:
1. Assess Your Risks
Start by identifying potential hazards that might lead to an evacuation. Consider scenarios like gas leaks, electrical fires or arson attack. Each situation requires careful consideration both to prevent it happening but also because you may need to tailor a different response to different circumstances. Assessing the risks involves carrying out a detailed fire risk assessment. You have a legal duty to have an up to date fire risk assessment in place.
2. Map Out Escape Routes
Once you have assessed your fire risks, have considered the building and people who could be at risk, along with the likely sources of fire, it is time to consider how you evacuate your property safely. Take a detailed look at your property. It will have been designed originally with final exit doors and ways to get out of the building. Newer buildings will have specific designate fire routes in place which should be used. For older buildings, these may not be in place or may have been lost. Furthermore, the building may have been altered. Therefore, you would then need to map out multiple escape routes from your building considering each room or area. Ensure the escape routes are clear, accessible, and well-marked. Remember that people may panic during an emergency, so having clear directions is crucial. There is plenty of guidance about escape routes out there, such as in the Building Regulations. If you are uncertain about how to evacuate your building, consult with a third party accredited fire risk assessor. Always remember, once the fire evacuation routes are determined to provide suitable signage directing people to the fire assembly point.
3. Assign Roles and Responsibilities
Designate specific roles for staff so they are able to assist with a building evacuation. Your evacuation plan should consider who will help with an evacuation and what role they will play. You must consider who will sound the alarm and how? Whether you have a suitable automatic detection system in place? Who will assist others, disabled people and young people who need assistance? By carefully considering questions such as these you can be ready to face an emergency situation. Remember, always ensure your staff are trained. People coordinating the evacuation are known as fire marshals and they should have suitable fire marshal training. Having clear responsibilities ensures a coordinated and swift response.
4. Communication Plan
Establish communication methods during emergencies. How will you alert everyone? Consider using alarms, intercoms, radios or mobile apps. Regularly practice these communication channels and ensure they work. If you are relying on mobile phones, does the building permit good reception? If not, look at alternative approaches and ensure suitable training is place.
5. Regular Drills
Conduct fire evacuation drills. This involves simulating emergency situations and getting your building users familiar with how to leave the building safely and quickly. Practice using the designated routes and following the procedures. Regular drills help reinforce the plan and build muscle memory. Look for opportunities to improve evacuation drill times. Make sure to time your evacuation and ensure that you can get everyone out in less than 4 minutes. Make sure you have a sweep search system in place where the fire marshals ensure the building is empty and have plans in place to shut down dangerous equipment and facilities such as gas supplies and electricity.
6. Review and Update
Periodically review and update your plan. A fire evacuation plan will need to change over time as circumstances develop (new staff, renovations, etc.), ensure your evacuation strategy remains effective. Always be mindful during renovations not to compromise fire routes and if you do, make suitable alternative arrangements. Consult with your team and take on board their thoughts. Remember to update the document and redate it. When your strategy changes, remember to retrain your team and practice the process through a fire drill.
Remember, preparation is key. By following these steps, you’ll be better equipped to handle fire emergencies and keep everyone safe.
JCH Safety are specialist fire risk assessor working across Coventry, Birmingham Warwickshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire. We work with schools, colleges, business, churches as well as hotels, pubs and clubs.
If you require assistance with fire risk assessments, fire evacuation strategies, fire drills, or fire safety training we can help. Get in touch to find out more.