In small premises your evacuation plan may be a simple instruction displayed in a prominent location of what staff should do in the event of a fire. This may be satisfactory provided all staff are trained in their responsibilities should a fire occur.

In larger premises or in premises where other users of the building are reliant on the actions of your staff the evacuation plan will have to be a more comprehensive document to ensure that all users of your building are aware of the outbreak of a fire and that a pre planned evacuation strategy is implemented. It may be advisable to appoint fire wardens who will take charge during the evacuation.

Evacuation plans should be effective, easily understood and relevant to the occupancy of the building.

ARMA Fire Safety Ltd have extensive experience in preparing evacuation strategies including:

· Total evacuation

· Phased evacuation

· Horizontal evacuation

· Evacuation of people with disabilities

· Use of fire evacuation lifts

Fire legislation also requires you to carry out fire drills. Fire drills should be carried out regularly. 

A nominated person should operate the fire warning system and the premises should be evacuated in accordance with the emergency plan. Try to make staff use the emergency exit routes and not the routes they normally use.

A record should be maintained of all fire drills and observations should be noted together with the remedial actions that may have been necessary.

ARMA Fire Safety Ltd can arrange to brief staff, observe your fire drill and de-brief  staff regarding the effectiveness of your fire drill.