For those who are currently reviewing the fire evacuation strategy for their building premises, they’re in the right place. This article covers the importance of conducting proper Evacuation Strategies and, in particular, the need for bespoke plans in specialty buildings.
In a conference, workshop, or other workplace event, the first thing the speaker says is where the fire exits are and where to assemble, if the alarm sounds? It’s more than a mere obligation - a fire evacuation strategy needs to be in place to keep people safe.
FireRite creates fire evacuation strategies
The FireRite team is experienced in creating fire evacuation strategies for a comprehensive range of different public buildings and business premises, including:
- Residential buildings
- Care homes
- Hospitals
- Office buildings
- Shops
- Restaurants
Wide range of fire safety consultancy services
The FireRite team has extensive, in-depth knowledge of delivering a range of fire safety consultancy services to businesses and buildings of all sizes. They work across South Wales, the South West and the Midlands with the aim to help reduce the risk of fire, stay informed, and making communities and workplaces safe.
FireRite defines and details the premises fire evacuation procedure and supporting elements
FireRite ensures and offers a cost-effective, professional service that will meet the current legislative requirements. They go further than simply drafting an evacuation strategy, as they can support the business with its supportive elements, such as staff training and effective implementation.
During their evacuation strategy consultancy, FireRite defines and details the premises fire evacuation procedure and supporting elements, e.g. staff training.
Why a Fire Evacuation Plan is needed?
The short answer is that it saves people’s lives. Many people simple do not know what to do during an emergency, so having a clear evacuation strategy means that people are more prepared.
In the event of a fire or other emergency, an evacuation strategy helps to gain some control of the situation. It also helps residents and the emergency services get an accurate account of everyone who should have left the building and who may still be inside.
Having a plan in place is also important for compliance with UK Fire Safety Legislation.
What are PEEPs (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans)?
A fire evacuation strategy should include every occupant of the building, including people with disabilities.
It’s important to have an fire evacuation plan in place, so that proper procedures are followed
In the event of a fire, standard routes in or out of the building may be blocked, which could mean a step-free entrance has become inaccessible. Or, residents may need specialist equipment, such as an evacuation chair readily available and in good working order.
That’s why it’s so important to have a fire evacuation plan in place, so that proper procedures are followed and everything needed for a successful evacuation with minimal risks is available.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places a legal duty on those with ‘responsibility’ over the management and operation of premises to provide adequate means for emergency escape in the event of fire for all building occupants.
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) ask to think how an individual’s mobility issues could impact on their ability to escape in an emergency.
Impairments that require a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan include:
- Mobility impairments
- Sensory impairments
- Cognitive impairments or learning difficulties
- Temporary illnesses or injuries that would cause someone to need help during an evacuation
It’s important to remember that each individual person has different needs. Therefore, it’s a good idea to formulate the plan in collaboration with the person in question (for example, the member of staff with a disability).
Reviewing and updating the Fire Evacuation Strategy
A Fire Evacuation Strategy is a key component of an organization’s Fire Risk Management Strategy
A Fire Evacuation Strategy is a key component of an organization’s overall Fire Risk Management Strategy. Their fire risk management strategy document should be reviewed at regular, planned intervals. It should also be updated, if there are significant changes to an organization, its staffing structure, or its premises.
The organization’s Senior Management Team should ensure that the periodic review of the Fire Risk Management system includes an audit of the Fire Evacuation Strategy. This is to ensure its continued suitability, effectiveness, and alignment with the rest of the strategy.
Bespoke Solutions for Fire Evacuation Plans
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to drafting fire evacuation plans because, by their very nature, people and buildings are all extremely different and have unique needs.
A fire evacuation plan should consider these variations in a meaningful way to identify a workable, safe and compliant solution. This means fully analyzing the building itself, as well as the profile of its occupants.
Taking care homes as an example
FireRite has worked closely with care homes and sheltered housing schemes to provide bespoke fire protection services, including drafting and implementing fire evacuation strategies.
FireRite’s team of experienced trainers deliver a range of fire training courses for all settings
The FireRite team draft plans that consider the detailed relationship between the occupants’ dependency profile and the level of fire safety provision within the building. This includes any passive and active fire prevention measures present, the level of compartmentation in protected areas, and the coverage and category of automatic fire detection/alarm systems.
Fire risk management strategy
An evacuation strategy should not exist within a silo, it’s part of a wider fire risk management strategy and should fully recognize the unique qualities of your premises and its people.
To support the drafting of an evacuation strategy, FireRite’s team of experienced trainers deliver a range of fire training courses for all settings. They recognize that the actions of staff are crucial to successful evacuations, in the event of an emergency.
FireRite offers the provision of evacuation equipment
Alongside this, FireRite also offers the provision of evacuation equipment; including a range of various apparatus to help building operators safely evacuate people in an emergency.
This includes if the buildings’ alternative escape route has steps or flights of stairs, as it may be necessary to use evacuation aids, such as:
- Moving & handling equipment
- Mobility aids
- Evacuation chairs, mats or slings
FireRite can also provide specific advice on the many products that are designed to assist care-givers in the safe evacuation of disabled or elderly patients from care homes, nursing homes and hospitals.
Conclusion
Properly devised evacuation strategies are the key to ensuring building occupants and responsible persons feel confident and prepared on how to exit a building safely, in the event of an emergency. When executed properly, they save lives.
FireRite’s advice and guidance can help building owners and residents reduce the fire risk in their buildings and communities, making the people living and working within them safer.
FireRite are here to help
For those who need support with their fire evacuation strategy, or any other aspect of fire safety within their building, business, or premises, FireRite are here to help. Get in touch with them at the earliest to discuss the organization’s requirements.
