How to Create a Fire Escape Plan for Your Business

One of your most pressing requirements as a business owner is to maintain the safety of your employees, visitors, and guests. To do this, you need to have a safe and well-practised fire escape plan that can be adopted by everyone on your premises. It’s important to remember that, in the event of a fire or equally hazardous emergency, there will be a sense of chaos and confusion in the air. Minimizing the risk of a serious accident is your top priority and one of the best ways to do this is by ensuring everyone leaves the building in a swift and organized manner. In this blog, we’ll show you how to create a fire escape plan that works.

What is a Fire Escape Plan?

Essential to any business, a fire escape plan is a structured document which details all of the actions that need to be adopted in the event of a fire or emergency. It should be created with the layout and specific requirements of both your building and employees in mind. You need to ensure that this plan is easy-to-follow, well-structured, and adaptable, should any needs change. It needs to be taught to all employees and practised at least once annually. This document aims to ensure there is a clear route to escape the building which takes everyone away from the immediate danger.

What to consider

While every fire escape plan will differ to suit the business, there are several things everyone should consider. These include:

• What should a person do upon hearing the fire alarm?
• What should a person do upon discovering a fire?
• Who is responsible for calling the fire brigade?
• Who is responsible for isolating the power to the building, if required?
• Who are the designated fire wardens or marshals?
• Where are the assembly points?
• Who is responsible for performing the roll call during assembly?
• What fire fighting equipment is available and who is designated to use it?
• What training will you need to provide to ensure your fire exit plan is followed?

Fire Escape Signs

The right fire exit signs will help to ensure fire routes can be followed - even by those who don’t have previous knowledge of your building. Arrow Up, Arrow Down, and Fire Exit Keep Clear signs are just some of the options available to help improve safety in your workplace.

There is also a host of guidance available across the Internet to help you devise a fire escape plan that works, including this one from the Fire Safety Advice Centre. If you have any further questions about planning a fire escape route of the relevant signs needed to support your business, please get in contact with our team at Lasting Impressions today.