No way out of sight: draw up an evacuation plan

An evacuation plan is a detailed document that describes the procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency, such as a fire, gas leak, or other calamity. It indicates how employees, visitors and other attendees can safely leave the building via clearly marked escape routes and emergency exits.

Yes, in most countries it is mandatory for companies to have an evacuation plan. This applies especially to businesses with a certain number of employees, high-risk activities, or publicly accessible buildings. Local laws often determine the specific requirements for an evacuation plan, such as the number of emergency exits and the presence of evacuation routes.

A good evacuation plan contains at least the following information:

• Clear description of escape routes and emergency exits.
• Location of fire extinguishers and first aid stations.
• Instructions for alerting the fire brigade or emergency services.
• An overview of assembly areas outside the building.
• Procedures for evacuating persons with disabilities or special needs.
• Roles and responsibilities of employees during an evacuation (e.g. an evacuation coordinator).
• Clearly marked plans of the building with evacuation routes.

When preparing an evacuation plan, you can follow these steps:

• Risk analysis: identify potential emergencies and risks.
• Escape routes and emergency exits: ensure that there are enough emergency exits and escape routes, and that they are clear and well-marked.
• Assembly areas: designate a safe location outside the building as an assembly area.
• Staff roles: assign specific tasks to staff members, such as checking rooms or escorting visitors.
• Training: train your staff on evacuation procedures and conduct regular evacuation drills.
• Communication: ensure clear communication of the plan and post evacuation instructions visibly in the building.

It is recommended to conduct an evacuation drill at least once a year. Companies with a higher risk profile (such as factories or schools) may need to conduct exercises more frequently. Regular evacuation drills help familiarise staff and visitors with procedures and ensure safety in emergency situations.

The responsibility for drawing up an evacuation plan lies with the employer or the manager of the building. The plan can be prepared by the prevention advisor or a safety officer within the company. In some cases, it is wise to work with an external safety consultant or fire prevention expert to ensure the plan meets legal requirements.

To ensure your evacuation plan complies with local fire safety regulations:

• Consult local legislation for specific requirements (e.g. number of emergency exits, escape routes).
• Get a fire prevention advisor to check the plan.
• Make sure the plan is well documented and accessible to all employees.
• Keep in regular contact with the fire brigade or other authorities for advice and inspections.

Yes, the evacuation plan should take into account the evacuation of persons with disabilities. This includes designating suitable evacuation routes, providing assistance for people with mobility problems and the use of special aids such as evacuation chairs. It is important to make specific staff responsible for assisting people who need extra help.

If a company does not have an evacuation plan, it can lead to fines or penalties in inspections by the fire brigade or other authorities. It also puts the lives of employees and visitors at risk, as they are not prepared to evacuate quickly and safely in an emergency situation. In serious cases, it can even lead to liability claims after an incident.

An evacuation plan should be visibly and clearly displayed in the building. This can be done through:

• Floor plans showing evacuation routes, hung at strategic locations such as near lifts, stairwells and emergency exits.
• Escape and emergency exit signs that comply with international safety standards.
• Digital versions of the evacuation plan available to employees via internal networks or mobile apps.
• Regular education and training for staff to make them aware of procedures.