Workplace safety should be your business or organisation’s top priority, especially fire safety. Whether you're running a small office or managing a large industrial site, having a fire and emergency evacuation plan template in place is essential to protect people, premises and peace of mind. In our basic guide, we’ll show you how to create a fire evacuation plan for your business that will help you stay legally compliant and provide a solid plan of action for your workplace.
A fire evacuation plan is a documented strategy that outlines the steps individuals should take during a fire or emergency. It includes escape routes, roles and responsibilities, communication procedures, and meeting points. In the event of a fire, this plan ensures that everyone knows exactly what to do, reducing panic and saving lives.
A fire emergency evacuation plan is more than a diagram on the wall - it’s a critical part of your fire risk assessment and health and safety obligations.
Creating a fire and emergency evacuation plan template doesn’t need to be complicated. There are standard templates you can follow to make sure your plan is tailored, thorough and compliant. Follow the steps below to help you create your ideal fire evacuation plan:
1. Identify all possible fire risks
Start by completing a fire risk assessment. Understand the specific hazards in your workplace and who might be at risk.
2. Mark all escape routes and exits
Ensure your plan shows all possible escape routes. Keep them free from obstructions and clearly signposted.
3. Assign responsibilities
Appoint fire wardens, first aiders, and a person in charge of calling emergency services.
4. Install fire detection and warning systems
Your plan should include how people will be alerted to a fire, including alarms, lights, and announcements.
5. Create a clear evacuation map
If you’re unsure how to draw a fire evacuation plan, start with a floor plan of your building and mark the routes with arrows, exit signs, and symbols for firefighting equipment.
6. Designate a safe assembly point
Choose a location a safe distance from the building where staff and visitors can gather and be accounted for.
7. Train your staff
Ensure all employees know the evacuation plan and their role within it. Carry out regular fire drills to reinforce the procedure.
8. Review regularly
Fire safety isn’t a one-off task. Make sure you know how often should a fire evacuation plan be reviewed - at least annually or whenever there are changes to the building, staff, or layout.
You can adapt this process into a custom fire and emergency evacuation plan template for your site, ready to use and update as needed.
Have some questions about creating a fire and emergency evacuation plan template? We’ve got the answers for you below.
Who can create a fire evacuation plan?
Anyone with sufficient knowledge of fire safety can create a plan, but it’s often best to involve a competent person, such as a fire safety officer or external consultant. Employers are legally responsible for ensuring a suitable plan is in place.
How often should a fire evacuation plan be reviewed?
You should review your fire evacuation plan at least once a year, or sooner if:
• There’s a change in the building layout or occupancy
• New hazards are introduced
• A fire drill or real incident reveals weaknesses in the current plan
What should a fire evacuation plan include?
Your plan should cover:
• Evacuation routes and exits
• Fire alarm and detection systems
• Roles and responsibilities
• Procedures for assisting disabled or vulnerable people
• Assembly points and headcounts
• Contact information for emergency services
Do I need different plans for different fire scenarios?
Yes. Your fire emergency evacuation plan should account for different types of emergencies - such as a fire in the kitchen versus one near a main exit. This ensures all scenarios are covered and all staff know how to respond.
How do I train staff on the fire evacuation plan?
Training should be part of your induction process and refreshed regularly through drills. Include walk-throughs of escape routes, responsibilities, and how to raise the alarm. Fire warden training may be required for designated staff. Conduct regular checks and audits to ensure that the relevant training has been deployed and retained.
Creating a robust fire and emergency evacuation plan template is just one part of maintaining workplace safety. At phs Compliance, we help businesses stay fire-safe with services like fire risk assessments, equipment testing, emergency lighting inspections, and compliance training. We can provide advice and guidance that will give you greater confidence in your fire safety procedures and help you maintain essential legal compliance.
Let us take the stress out of fire safety. Contact phs Compliance today to find out how we can support your workplace.
Through our Tier 1 facilities management customer, we delivered mechanical installation and project works to one of their clients, the worlds’ largest provider of flexible workspace solutions with
Through competitive tendering with one of our major facilities management customers, phs Compliance was awarded a major contract delivering comprehensive electrical, fire and gas safety inspection
phs Compliance were commissioned by our Tier 1 facilities management client to replace ageing lighting and electrical accessories across primary and secondary schools in the North Midlands area. The
Commissioned by a partner organisation, phs Compliance installed and commissioned new electrical power and data cabling works to 392 court rooms across 109 Magistrates' Courts room as part of a
This site uses cookies that enable us to make improvements, provide relevant content, and for analytics purposes. For more details, see our Cookie Policy. By clicking Accept, you consent to our use of cookies.
