EMG/General/TBT-EMG-016
Fire Evacuation Drill Procedures
Emergency Preparedness › General › Fire Evacuation Drill Procedures
Toolbox Talk
Fire Evacuation Drill Procedures
Fire evacuation drills test whether the site emergency plan actually works in practice. They reveal problems with alarm audibility, escape routes, muster point procedures, and roll call accuracy that cannot be found on paper alone. Regular drills ensure that every person on site knows what to do when the alarm sounds. This talk covers how drills should be conducted and what every operative must do during an evacuation.
Key Hazards
Workers failing to hear the alarm in noisy areas of the site
Blocked or obstructed escape routes discovered only during a real fire
Incomplete roll call leaving missing persons unaccounted for
Complacency from never having practised an evacuation on site
Control Measures
- Conduct fire evacuation drills at least every six months on active construction sites.
- Test alarm audibility across all work areas including noisy zones and remote locations.
- Ensure all escape routes are clearly signed, unobstructed, and adequately lit before the drill.
- Appoint trained fire wardens to sweep designated areas and direct people to the muster point.
- Conduct a full roll call at the muster point and account for every person including visitors.
- Time the evacuation and review the results to identify areas for improvement.
- Brief all operatives on the drill findings and any changes to the emergency plan.
- Record the drill date, time, participants, and outcomes in the fire safety logbook.
- Include subcontractors, visitors, and delivery drivers in the drill where practicable.
Remember
- Fire drills must be conducted at least every six months on active construction sites
- When the alarm sounds, stop work immediately and go to the muster point by the nearest route
- Fire wardens must sweep their designated areas and direct everyone to the muster point
- A full roll call must account for every person on site including visitors and deliveries
- Drill results must be reviewed and any improvements actioned before the next drill
Applicable Legislation: Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 · CDM 2015 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · MHSWR 1999
Delivered By
RAMS Builder
Generate professional Risk Assessment and Method Statements in minutes. 10 document formats, site-specific content, instant Word download.