A fire evacuation plan sets out exactly what occupants and staff must do when a fire alarm sounds or a fire is discovered. It is a core part of effective fire safety management and a legal requirement for most workplaces and non-domestic premises in the UK.<\/p>\n
Under Article 15 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Responsible Persons must establish and implement appropriate procedures to be followed in the event of serious and imminent danger, including fire evacuation arrangements. Failure to do so can lead to enforcement action, fines, or prosecution.<\/p>\n
What Is A Fire Emergency Evacuation Plan (FEEP)?<\/h2>\n
A Fire Emergency Evacuation Plan (FEEP) is a written document that sets out the actions occupants and staff must take if there is a fire or a fire alarm activation.<\/p>\n
It explains:<\/p>\n
- \n
- How people will be warned<\/li>\n
- How the building will be evacuated<\/li>\n
- Who has specific duties<\/li>\n
- How emergency services will be contacted<\/li>\n
- Where people should assemble<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A FEEP must be based on the findings of the fire risk assessment<\/a> and tailored to the building\u2019s layout, use, and occupants.<\/p>\n
General Fire Notices vs Staff Fire Notices<\/h3>\n
Most evacuation plans include two types of notice:<\/p>\n
General Fire Notice<\/h4>\n
Typically suitable for smaller, low-risk premises. These are simple instructions displayed prominently, explaining:<\/p>\n
- \n
- What to do if you discover a fire<\/li>\n
- What to do when the alarm sounds<\/li>\n
- Where exits and assembly points are located<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Staff Fire Notice<\/h4>\n
Required for larger or higher-risk premises. These provide detailed instructions for staff with specific responsibilities, including fire wardens, reception staff, or facilities teams.<\/p>\n
Staff notices reflect:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Fire risk assessment findings<\/li>\n
- Building-specific hazards<\/li>\n
- Management procedures and staff roles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"Fire](\"https:\/\/fire-risk-assessment-network.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Fire-Exit-Sign.png\")
<\/p>\nWhy Fire Evacuation Plans Are Essential<\/h2>\n
A clear, rehearsed evacuation plan helps to:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Reduce panic during an emergency<\/li>\n
- Ensure vulnerable people are assisted<\/li>\n
- Support safe and orderly evacuation<\/li>\n
- Demonstrate legal compliance<\/li>\n
- Protect life and minimise disruption to business operations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Without a clear plan, evacuation becomes uncoordinated, increasing the risk of injury, delay, or fatality.<\/p>\n
CONTACT US FOR A FREE QUOTE<\/a><\/div>\nWhat Should Be Included in a Fire Evacuation Plan?<\/h2>\n
Fire evacuation plans should be developed based on the findings of a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment<\/a>, which identifies hazards, people at risk, and escape route challenges.<\/p>\n
A comprehensive fire evacuation plan should reflect the principles set out in official UK fire safety guidance. This includes ensuring that escape routes are clearly marked and as short and direct as possible, that clear passageways are maintained to all exits, that emergency lighting is in place where needed, and that employees are trained to use these routes. Your plan should also consider how fire detection and alarm systems integrate with evacuation procedures.<\/p>\n
A compliant fire evacuation plan should be written, site-specific, and easy to understand. It should include:<\/p>\n
- \n
- How occupants will be alerted to a fire<\/li>\n
- Evacuation routes and final exits<\/li>\n
- Assembly point locations<\/li>\n
- Procedures for calling the fire and rescue service<\/li>\n
- Locations of fire-fighting equipment<\/li>\n
- Roles and responsibilities of staff (e.g. fire wardens)<\/li>\n
- Procedures for assisting vulnerable occupants<\/li>\n
- Isolation points for machinery, gas, or electrical systems<\/li>\n
- Training and drill arrangements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
For multi-storey buildings, evacuation plans should be supported by fire evacuation drawings showing:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Escape routes<\/li>\n
- Fire alarm call points<\/li>\n
- Fire extinguishers<\/li>\n
- Final exits and assembly points<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Plans should clearly distinguish between:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Discovering a fire<\/li>\n
- Hearing the fire alarm<\/li>\n
- Daytime vs out-of-hours procedures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Carrying out regular fire drills is key to effective evacuation planning. Drills help staff understand procedures and identify issues in escape routes or communications. As a best practice, drills should be scheduled at least annually and whenever there are significant changes in staff, occupancy, or building layout.<\/p>\n
Evacuation plans, including route drawings and assembly point locations, should be consistent with guidance in Approved Document B (Fire Safety)<\/a> to support safe and compliant evacuation procedures.<\/p>\n
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)<\/h2>\n
A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) is a tailored plan for individuals who may need assistance to evacuate safely during an emergency.<\/p>\n
PEEPs are required where people:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Cannot evacuate unaided<\/li>\n
- May not hear alarms<\/li>\n
- May become disorientated<\/li>\n
- Require specialist equipment or support<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Modern fire safety guidance expects Responsible Persons to consider evacuation needs under the Equality Act 2010, rather than older legislation.<\/p>\n
What a PEEP Should Cover<\/h3>\n
An effective PEEP should identify:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Escape routes and refuges<\/li>\n
- Staff responsibilities<\/li>\n
- Evacuation equipment (e.g. evac-chairs)<\/li>\n
- Training requirements<\/li>\n
- Alternative arrangements where standard evacuation is not possible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Employers must ensure the safety of all employees and visitors during emergencies. Further details on fire safety responsibilities are set out in fire safety guidance<\/a> published by the UK Government.<\/p>\n
Under the Equality Act 2010<\/a>, employers must make reasonable adjustments to support the safe evacuation of people with disabilities or additional needs, including through Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs).<\/p>\n
Practical templates and advice for Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans are available in official PEEP guidance<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Who Needs a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan?<\/h2>\n
A PEEP may be required for people with:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Mobility impairments<\/li>\n
- Visual or hearing impairments<\/li>\n
- Cognitive or neurological conditions<\/li>\n
- Temporary injuries<\/li>\n
- Medical conditions affecting evacuation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Not every disability requires a PEEP, but each case must be assessed individually.<\/p>\n
![\"Emergency](\"https:\/\/fire-risk-assessment-network.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Emergency-Exit-Sign.jpg\")
<\/p>\n