Site Fire Escape Routes and Assembly Points

Every construction site must have clearly defined escape routes leading to designated assembly points.
Escape routes must be kept clear of obstructions, materials, and equipment at all times.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and CDM 2015 require adequate means of escape from all work areas.
Assembly points must be located at a safe distance from buildings and away from site access roads.
Escape routes should be signed with photoluminescent or illuminated signs visible in smoke and darkness.
The number and width of escape routes depend on the maximum number of workers in the building or area.
Fire drills must be conducted regularly to ensure all workers know the routes and assembly point location.
Multi-storey construction requires escape routes from every floor, typically via protected stairwells.
As construction progresses, escape routes change — updates must be communicated at every stage.
Roll call procedures at the assembly point must account for all workers, visitors, and subcontractors.

Save lives	Clear escape routes and practised evacuations ensure workers can exit quickly before fire conditions become unsurvivable.
Legal requirement	The Fire Safety Order 2005 and CDM 2015 require adequate escape routes and emergency arrangements on all sites.
Accountability	Assembly points with roll call procedures confirm everyone is out — unaccounted workers may need rescue.

Do

Don't

Identify and sign escape routes from every work area to the assembly point
Keep escape routes completely clear of stored materials, equipment, and waste
Install photoluminescent or illuminated signs along escape routes and at exits
Conduct fire drills at regular intervals and record attendance and response times
Update escape route plans whenever the site layout or building access changes
Locate assembly points at a safe distance from buildings and away from site traffic
Brief all workers on escape routes and assembly point location during site induction
Ensure protected stairwells are available for escape from multi-storey structures
Carry out roll call at the assembly point to account for all persons on site
Inspect escape routes daily to confirm they remain clear and properly signed

DON'T block escape routes with materials, scaffolding, or construction waste
DON'T lock or obstruct fire exit doors during working hours
DON'T skip fire drills because the site is busy — they are essential practice
DON'T position assembly points where emergency vehicles need access to the site
DON'T assume workers remember routes from induction — reinforce them regularly
DON'T use lifts or hoists as part of the emergency escape route
DON'T allow escape route signs to become hidden behind stored materials or plant
DON'T leave the assembly point before the roll call is complete and the all-clear given
DON'T forget to update escape routes when construction progresses to new phases
DON'T ignore temporary workers and visitors — they must know the escape routes too

See also: Fire Safety Awareness on Site | Fire Evacuation Procedures

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