In the event of a fire, every second counts. While fire extinguishers, alarms, and sprinklers are vital components of a building’s safety infrastructure, they are only effective if the people inside the premises know exactly how to respond. This is where a Fire Emergency Evacuation Plan (FEEP) becomes the most important document in your health and safety folder.
In the United Kingdom, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 mandates that the “Responsible Person” for premises must provide an adequate emergency plan. This plan must be based on the findings of a current fire risk assessment and must be communicated clearly to all occupants.
Whether you are managing a small office, a retail outlet, or a multi-storey residential block, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the essential process of creating a robust, life-saving evacuation strategy with GF Fire Solutions.
Step 1: Start with a Comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment
You cannot plan an escape if you do not understand the hazards. The foundation of any evacuation plan is a professional assessment of the building. This process identifies potential ignition sources, the speed at which a fire might spread, and the specific limitations of the building’s layout.
A high-quality fire risk assessment will highlight “dead ends” in corridors, identify fire doors that need upgrading, and determine if your current alarm system provides enough warning time for a safe exit. If your assessment is outdated, your evacuation plan is likely to be flawed.
Step 2: Define the Evacuation Strategy
Not every building is evacuated in the same way. The strategy you choose depends on the size of the premises and the vulnerability of the occupants.
Simultaneous Evacuation
This is the most common strategy for shops, offices, and small factories. When the alarm sounds, everyone leaves the building immediately via the nearest exit and gathers at a pre-determined assembly point.
Phased Evacuation
Common in high-rise office buildings or large hospitals, this strategy involves evacuating the area closest to the fire first. Other floors are placed on “alert” but may stay put until directed to leave. This prevents stairwells from becoming dangerously overcrowded.
Stay Put (Defend in Place)
Typically used in modern blocks of flats. Because these buildings are built with “compartmentation” (fire-rated walls and floors), a fire is usually contained within the flat of origin. Residents in other flats are generally safer staying inside unless the fire spreads or the Fire and Rescue Service advises otherwise.
Step 3: Map Out Clear Escape Routes
An escape route must be the shortest, most direct path to a place of safety. When mapping these out, consider the following:
- Primary and Secondary Routes: If the main staircase is blocked by smoke, where should people go? Always identify at least two ways out of every room.
- Fire Doors: Ensure all doors on the route are fire-rated and fitted with self-closing devices. They must never be propped open.
- Emergency Lighting: In a fire, the power often fails. Your plan must ensure that emergency lighting illuminates the entire escape route, including changes in floor level and directional signage.
- No Lifts: It is a universal rule: never use a lift during a fire. The lift could stall due to a power cut or open its doors directly onto the floor where the fire is located.
Step 4: Establish a Designated Assembly Point
Once people leave the building, they need a safe place to go. An assembly point should be:
- Far enough away: To protect people from falling debris or heat radiation.
- Clear of the Fire Service: It must not block the path of incoming fire engines or emergency vehicles.
- Accessible: It must be a place that all occupants, including those with mobility issues, can reach easily.
The assembly point must be clearly marked with a permanent sign so there is no confusion during a real emergency.
Step 5: Assign Key Roles and Responsibilities
A plan only works if there is leadership on the ground. You must appoint and train individuals to take charge during an evacuation.
Fire Marshals (Fire Wardens)
These individuals are responsible for:
- Checking toilets, storerooms, and remote areas to ensure everyone is out.
- Assisting people with disabilities.
- Closing fire doors as they leave.
- Conducting the roll call at the assembly point.
The Person in Charge (Incident Commander)
This person meets the Fire and Rescue Service upon arrival. They must be able to provide vital information, such as:
- Is anyone still missing?
- Where is the fire located?
- Are there any hazardous materials (like gas cylinders) inside?
Step 6: Create Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)
Standard evacuation plans often fail the most vulnerable. Under UK law, you have a duty to ensure that everyone can get out safely. A PEEP is a bespoke plan for anyone who may need extra help, such as:
- Individuals with physical disabilities or mobility issues.
- Those with visual or hearing impairments (who may not hear the alarm).
- People with temporary injuries (e.g., a broken leg).
A PEEP might involve the use of “Evacuation Chairs” for stairs or the assignment of a specific “buddy” to assist the individual during the exit.
Step 7: Communication and Signage
Your evacuation plan should not be a secret kept in a manager’s drawer. It must be visible and understood by everyone.
- Fire Action Notices: These are the blue and white signs found near alarm call points. They should concisely state: “If you discover a fire, do X. On hearing the alarm, go to Y.”
- Floor Plans: Large buildings should have “You Are Here” maps showing the nearest exits and assembly points.
- Induction: Every new employee or long-term contractor should be briefed on the evacuation plan on their first day.
Step 8: Regular Drills and Training
A plan is just a theory until it is tested. Fire drills should be conducted at least once a year (though every six months is recommended for high-risk environments).
Why Drills are Vital
- Muscle Memory: People learn to act instinctively rather than panicking.
- Identifying Bottlenecks: You might discover that a certain exit door is difficult to open or that a corridor is too narrow for the number of staff.
- Testing Equipment: Drills ensure that everyone can hear the alarm and that emergency lighting works in practice.
After every drill, hold a debrief. Ask the fire marshals if they encountered any issues and update your plan accordingly.
Step 9: Maintenance of Fire Safety Equipment
The most perfect plan will fail if the hardware doesn’t work. Your evacuation strategy relies on:
- Weekly Alarm Tests: To ensure the “shout” is heard.
- Monthly Emergency Light Tests: A quick “flick test” to ensure bulbs are functional.
- Annual Extinguisher Servicing: Ensuring firefighting equipment is ready for use.
- Fire Door Inspections: Checking that seals are intact and doors close tightly into their frames.
Step 10: Review and Update Regularly
A Fire Emergency Evacuation Plan is a living document. It must be reviewed whenever there is a “significant change” to the building or the business. This includes:
- Changes to the internal layout or renovations.
- A significant increase in staff numbers.
- The introduction of new hazardous materials or machinery.
- A change in the “use” of a room (e.g., turning a storeroom into a bedroom).
As a rule of thumb, review your plan whenever you receive a new fire risk assessment report.
Summary: A Culture of Preparation
Creating a Fire Emergency Evacuation Plan can seem like a daunting task, but it is the single most effective way to prevent loss of life. By breaking the process down into these ten steps, you move from a position of “hoping for the best” to a position of genuine readiness.
Remember, the goal of an evacuation plan isn’t just to get people out of the building; it’s to get them out safely, calmly, and efficiently.
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