Emergency evacuation procedures

An emergency evacuation plan should include:

• a clear chain of command, based on role and responsibility
• contact details of the local emergency services and authorities
• an emergency alert system for employees and visitors
• the primary method of communication during the emergency
• the conditions that require an evacuation
• when to shelter in place rather than evacuate
• specific evacuation procedures for each area of the workplace
• procedures for helping visitors and employees to evacuate
• who will remain after the evacuation alarm to shut down critical operations or perform other duties
• exit routes, including floor plans
• locations of designated safe areas and assembly points
• a way to account for all visitors and employees after an evacuation
• any special equipment the plan needs

A sample evacuation procedure:

1. Stop all activities immediately. Complete only the internal procedures that have been determined to be essential before an emergency evacuation.
2. Make sure all persons can evacuate the area. Nominated people check that everyone, including individuals with limited mobility, has left their area.
3. Follow the exit signs to the nearest safe exit.
4. Use the planned safe route. Do not use ordinary lifts during a fire. A designated evacuation lift may be used only under the building's managed evacuation arrangements. Walk promptly without running and keep access clear for responders.
5. Steer clear of hazards. If the chosen route becomes difficult because of smoke, flames or a blockage, carry on out by the nearest safe exit route.
6. Move away from the building. Once you are out, move away from the building and exit doors and go to your assembly area.
7. Do not re-enter the building without an all clear. Under no circumstances re-enter the facility unless fire department personnel authorise it or the authority broadcasts the all clear.

The role and appointment of fire marshals

The need for fire marshals depends on the size and complexity of the premises. You may need one on each floor or in each department, with a chief fire marshal coordinating their duties. They need special training beyond that of a normal employee, which could be in-house or from an external fire training organisation. They should know something about fire prevention and be able to identify possible fire hazards so that fires are prevented. Any firefighting role must be specifically assigned, trained and safe within the emergency plan. Being a fire marshal does not automatically require attempting to extinguish a fire. Finally, they should know the emergency evacuation plan in depth and understand their part in carrying it out.

In routine operations, the fire marshal is responsible for making sure the working environment is safe in case of fire. They must check that:

• fire doors and fire exits are closed, clear, unlocked and ready for use
• all escape routes are safe, unblocked and clear
• fire extinguishers are sealed and in the correct locations
• fire safety signs are clearly in position
• fire alarm call points are clear and unobstructed
• faulty emergency lighting is reported
• any fault found in the weekly fire alarm test is reported
• all the emergency facilities needed are available if people with disabilities are to be helped in an evacuation

In an emergency, the fire marshal takes charge. These are the typical responsibilities on hearing the alarm, but always check site-specific procedures for variations.

• start the evacuation of the site
• check that the area is empty and everyone has left
• make sure everyone who is struggling to leave the area is helped and taken out
• go to the fire assembly area
• take a register of your colleagues
• gather information from colleagues and other fire marshals: is everyone accounted for? Where is the fire? What started it? Anything else relevant to the fire service?
• report the information to management as required

Summary notes for Element 10 · Cheat sheet · Glossary. A study aid, not published or endorsed by NEBOSH.