See more like this online at: EVACUATION 33
www.fsmatters.com
One mis-conception
around
evacuation is
that it is the
fire brigade’s
job to get
everyone
safely out of
the building,
it isn’t. It is
the
responsibility
of staff, the
landlord or
the manager
implementation of new regulations only
heighten the need for those responsible
to dedicate time to careful planning,
education and training to ensure every
occupant has a clear means of safe
evacuation.
Improved accessibility
Another factor influencing the growing
importance of education surrounding
evacuation procedures is the improved
accessibility of public buildings and
workplaces across the UK.
Since the introduction of the
Equalities Act (2010), workplaces and
facilities – old and new – are continuing
to adapt to improve their accessibility
for people of all abilities. This means
more people with mobility impairments
now have greater levels of access to
high-rise buildings and the importance
of planning and training for their safe
Taller buildings
The trend for high-rise buildings
throughout the UK continues to grow,
with the proliferation of cranes across
our city skylines that is testament to the
increasing demand for residential and
commercial buildings.
This trend is another factor which
influences the growing need for more
training to safeguard effective
evacuation processes and techniques.
Taller buildings are not designed with
the intention of rapid mass exit, which
can lead to bottlenecks on narrow
stairwells. This will only be avoided if
emergency evacuation is carefully
planned and all processes and
procedures are clearly communicated to
building occupants. This will ensure
they have an understanding of their
route to a quick, effective and,
ultimately, safe evacuation.
evacuation cannot be understated.
When it comes to implementing
effective evacuation procedures, more
careful planning is required for
occupants with disabilities. Often, they
will need someone to assist with their
safe evacuation and they need to be
trained to ensure they fully understand
their responsibility when an emergency
situation arises.
A Personal Emergency Evacuation
Plan (PEEP) should be devised for any
person who requires support to evacuate
a building safely. A PEEP should detail
the type of assistance and any
equipment required, and details of
where this equipment can be found as
well as the instructions for use. In order
to be effective, these plans must be
clearly communicated and tested – with
both the person they’re designed for and
the people required to help.
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