A business evacuation plan is a structured strategy that sets out what to do if a fire or other emergency occurs in the workplace. It is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005.
Who is responsible?
By law, if you are an employer, building owner, or occupier of premises other than a private home, you are responsible for ensuring people can get to safety quickly and efficiently. While preventing fires is always the priority, having a clear evacuation plan is essential for protecting staff, visitors, and the public.
Elements of an evacuation plan
A good plan should outline how fires will be detected and false alarms managed, who is responsible for calling the emergency services, and how people will safely exit the building. Escape routes must be clearly marked, kept unobstructed, and, where necessary, supported by emergency lighting. Evacuation doors should open easily, and safe assembly points outside the premises should be clearly signposted.
Roles and responsibilities should be assigned, key risks such as power isolation covered, and the locations of firefighting equipment made known. It is also vital to consider individuals who may need extra assistance, such as wheelchair users or those with visual impairments.
Evacuation planning is a serious business, so it can help to consult a specialist with years of experience in fire risk assessment Northamptonshire and other parts of the East Midlands, such as https://isefireproducts.co.uk/fire-risk-assessments/northamptonshire/.
Practice runs
Plans are only effective if regularly tested. Routine fire drills ensure staff know their roles and can evacuate confidently.
