Fire Evacuation Strategies, Procedures & Reviews

The Importance of Fire Evacuation Procedures

Fire evacuation procedures are required by law to satisfy the regulations set out in the Fire Safety (Regulatory Reform) Order 2005.

A fire evacuation plan is a formal written set of instructions that outlines specific steps to be taken by employees and staff members in the event of a fire alarm or an actual fire and defines the roles and responsibilities of key members of staff. A fire evacuation plan is a vital component of any comprehensive fire safety strategy and is designed to ensure a swift and orderly evacuation in the event of a fire incident and also mitigate panic and confusion during an emergency. It is therefore crucial for business owners to have a comprehensive evacuation plan in place to protect the occupants of the building, prevent injuries and ultimately save lives should a fire incident occur.

Developing an effective fire evacuation plan requires careful consideration of various factors, including the size and layout of the building, the number of occupants and any specific risks identified in the fire risk assessment.

Fire Evacuation Strategy & Plans by I&M Fire Consultancy

I&M Fire Consultancy offers comprehensive fire evacuation strategy and procedure planning to ensure the development of a clear and efficient fire evacuation plan for your building in case of an emergency. We have extensive experience and expertise, and understand the various fire evacuation strategies that can be implemented effectively in various building types, particularly large and complex buildings, enabling us to formulate a comprehensive fire escape plan tailored to your specific environment.

Our fire safety consultant will assess your property, plan a fire evacuation procedure and develop a clear written fire evacuation plan that satisfies your legal obligations and ensures the most efficient evacuation of occupants from your building in the event of an emergency.

Fire Emergency Evacuation Plan Content

Your fire emergency evacuation plan will include the following key elements:

1. Action upon discovering a fire: Defining the steps employees should take if they discover a fire, including raising the alarm and notifying others.
2. Fire evacuation strategy: Determining the most appropriate evacuation strategy for your premises.
3. Calling the fire brigade: Outlining the procedure for contacting the fire brigade, including who is responsible for making the call and the information to provide.
4. Identification of escape routes: Identifying and ensuring that primary and secondary escape routes are clearly marked to ensure occupants can quickly and safely exit the building.
5. Duties of the Fire Marshals: Assigning specific roles and responsibilities to designated Fire Marshals, including assisting with the evacuation and ensuring all areas are clear.
6. Assembly points: Designating assembly points outside the building where employees should gather after evacuating to ensure a headcount can be conducted.
7. Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP): If there are employees with specific needs or disabilities, the plan will include individual evacuation plans to accommodate their requirements and ensure their safety.
8. Liaison with the Fire Brigade and Emergency Services: Outlining protocols for communication and co-ordination with the fire brigade and other emergency services during an evacuation.
9. Firefighting equipment provided: Indicating the location of fire extinguishers, fire blankets, or other firefighting equipment, with instructions on their proper use.
10. Training required: Outlining the training requirements for employees, including fire safety awareness and fire marshal training, to ensure everyone is prepared to respond effectively in an emergency.

Implementing Fire Evacuation Procedures

Once your fire evacuation plan is developed, it is essential to ensure its effective implementation and regular review. I&M Fire Consultancy can provide further help and advice with the following to achieve this:

1. Training and awareness: Comprehensive training should be given to all employees on their roles and responsibilities during a fire emergency. Regular reviews and reinforcement of this training should take place to ensure everyone remains prepared.
2. Communication and signage: Fire evacuation procedures should be clearly communicated to all staff members, and fire safety signs and evacuation route signage should be prominently displayed throughout the premises.
3. Regular drills and exercises: Regular fire evacuation drills should be conducted to familiarise employees with the procedures and identify any areas that may need improvement.
4. Maintenance and inspections: Fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and emergency lighting should be regularly inspected to ensure they are maintained, functioning correctly and ready for use in an emergency.
5. Periodic review and updates: Fire evacuation procedures should be updated and reviewed regularly, especially when there are changes to the building layout, occupancy, or fire safety regulations. This ensures that your plan remains relevant and effective.

Reviews of Fire Evacuation Procedures

Fire evacuation strategies and plans should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure your procedures adapt to any changes to your building or changes to regulations and we can carry out regular reviews to ensure your fire evacuation plan is always up-to-date with legislation and property changes.

With our help, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that everyone in your building is prepared and knows what to do in the event of a fire.