Knowing your fire escape route and assembly point is one of the most important pieces of safety information on any construction site. Construction sites change constantly, and escape routes that existed yesterday may be blocked or altered today. Every worker must identify the nearest escape route from their work area at the start of each shift. Fires on construction sites develop rapidly, and a delayed or confused evacuation can cost lives.
Key Hazards
Blocked escape routes preventing workers from evacuating safely during a fire
Workers unfamiliar with escape routes becoming lost in partially completed buildings
Assembly points overcrowded or poorly located near the fire-affected area
Failure to account for all personnel during the post-evacuation headcount
Control Measures
Learn your escape route and the location of your assembly point during the site induction.
Identify the nearest escape route from your work area at the start of every shift.
Keep all fire escape routes completely clear of materials, waste, plant, and obstructions.
Ensure fire exit signage and emergency lighting are maintained and functioning correctly.
Report any blocked escape route, missing sign, or faulty emergency light immediately.
Participate in fire evacuation drills and treat every drill as if it were a real emergency.
Walk your escape route regularly to check for changes caused by construction progress.
Proceed directly to the assembly point when the alarm sounds and report for the headcount.
Do not re-enter the site after evacuation until the all-clear has been given by the fire warden.
Remember
Know your escape route and assembly point before you start work every single day.
Construction site layouts change constantly so check your route at the start of each shift.
Blocked escape routes are one of the most common and most dangerous fire safety failings on site.
Fire evacuation drills must be taken seriously because they practice the response that saves lives.
Proceed directly to the assembly point and report for the headcount without collecting belongings.
Never re-enter a site after evacuation until the fire warden or emergency services give the all-clear.
Applicable Legislation: Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 · CDM Regulations 2015 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974