EMG/General/TBT-EMG-002

Fire Evacuation Procedures

Emergency Preparedness › General › Fire Evacuation Procedures

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A fire evacuation procedure is the planned response for safely moving all persons out of a building or site when fire is detected.
The fire alarm must be recognisable to all workers — weekly tests ensure everyone knows the alarm sound for their area.
On hearing the alarm, stop work immediately, secure any hazardous process, and walk to the nearest safe fire exit.
Fire escape routes must be kept clear at all times — blocked stairwells and exits have caused multiple fatalities in fires.
Assembly points must be clearly signed and located a safe distance from the building where a roll call can be conducted.
Fire wardens are responsible for sweeping their designated area to confirm all persons have evacuated before leaving themselves.
A roll call must be completed at the assembly point by the site manager or fire coordinator to account for every person.
No one may re-enter the building or site after evacuation until the all-clear is given by the fire coordinator.
Visitors, delivery drivers, and temporary workers must be included in the evacuation — the sign-in register tracks who is on site.
Regular evacuation drills at least every six months ensure the procedure works and identify improvements needed.

Save lives	A practised evacuation ensures everyone exits the building quickly and safely — delays during a real fire cost lives.
Account for everyone	Roll call confirms no one is trapped inside — a missing person triggers immediate search and rescue by the fire service.
Legal requirement	The Fire Safety Order 2005 requires emergency plans, trained fire wardens, maintained escape routes, and regular evacuation drills.

Don't

Know the fire alarm sound and your nearest fire escape route from every work area.
Walk calmly to the nearest fire exit when the alarm sounds — never run or use lifts.
Follow the fire escape signs and proceed to the designated assembly point.
Report to the assembly point and give your name for the roll call check.
Follow instructions from fire wardens and the fire coordinator without question.
Help visitors or anyone unfamiliar with the site to find the nearest exit safely.
Participate in fire drills seriously — treat every drill as if it were a real fire.
Report blocked fire exits, missing fire signs, or damaged fire doors immediately.
Know who the fire wardens are for your area and how to contact them.
Ensure you are signed into the site register so you can be accounted for.

DON'T ignore the fire alarm — evacuate immediately every time it sounds.
DON'T use lifts during a fire evacuation — they can trap you in a burning building.
DON'T stop to collect personal belongings — your life is more important than any item.
DON'T leave the assembly point or re-enter the site until the all-clear is given.
DON'T disobey fire wardens or the fire coordinator during an evacuation.
DON'T leave visitors or unfamiliar workers behind — direct them to the exit.
DON'T treat fire drills as a joke — they prepare you for a real emergency.
DON'T block fire exits with materials, equipment, or stored items at any time.
DON'T prop open fire doors — they are designed to contain fire and smoke spread.
DON'T work on site without signing the register — missing names delay the roll call.

See also: Fire Safety Awareness on Site | Emergency Plan Awareness

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