Fire emergency procedures – a step by step guide
Here’s how to create emergency procedures that stay front and centre in your employees’ hearts and minds.
Chaos and anarchy often reign when a real fire occurs. You may be confident that your team knows what to do, but later discover that all logic has gone out the window when they’re faced with the real thing. The keys to effective fire emergency procedures are simplicity, memorability and repetition of training – components that will make your procedures as accessible as possible for your team. Here are some of the steps to help you create fire emergency procedures that latch onto your team’s minds and stay there for good:
1. Make your emergency procedures memorable
Having solid fire safety procedures is one thing, but there’s no point in even the most exceptional procedures if your team doesn’t remember them. One way to increase the accessibility of your fire safety procedures is to teach your team the RACE acronym when training them in your fire procedures. RACE simply stands for: Remove, Alarm/Alert, Confine, Extinguish/Evacuate. It is a great tool to use in the case of a fire emergency, as it is very easy to remember even if panic has taken hold. You can use the below steps as a basis for your fire procedures, based on the unique layout, fire risks and location of your building:
Step 1: Remove
The very first step of your emergency evacuation plan is ensuring all people inside the premises are taken to safety.
Step 2: Alert/Alarm
Informing emergency services (dialling 000) and sounding all internal alarms.
Step 3: Confine/Contain
Once people are evacuated and the authorities are informed, your focus should move to containing the fire.
Step 4: Extinguish/Evacuate
Staff who are trained should operate fire extinguishers and other fire fighting equipment and attempt to put out the blaze as best as possible, without putting themselves in danger.
2. Make your emergency procedures physically accessible
Ensuring your fire evacuation procedures are physically accessible to staff members at all times can help in the event that information slips their minds during a real fire emergency. Plus, having reminders all around the workplace will help drill in the information, so they are more likely to remember it anyway.
- You should attach a copy of your procedures and floor plan with the location of emergency exits, emergency kit and safety equipment clearly marked
- Your emergency procedures should also include a map of evacuation locations for all emergencies
- Always ensure your evacuation procedures are clearly displayed using evacuation diagrams.
3. Ensure your team gets excellent safety training
The last piece of the puzzle when it comes to creating memorable fire emergency procedures is to ensure your staff are well-trained in your processes. Training provides important information to your team that is very difficult to figure out on the spot. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Give your staff regular, hands on training in your evacuation procedures and how to use fire equipment
- Conduct regular fire drills. Not only will this help refresh your team’s knowledge, but it will also help you iron out any kinks in the armour of your emergency procedures, helping you improve these procedures even further.
Key resources to help build your fire emergency procedures
Not sure your emergency evacuation plan is up to scratch? Fire Block Plans is here to help you and your team. Our highly-qualified experts will help find a suitable emergency evacuation plan, no matter how unique your requirements may be. Contact us today for more information.