Will we notify all employees of what is going to happen?

We would not normally inform staff that a fire drill is going to take place. This means not providing them with specific details about when the drill will occur, so we will test the information provided to them on what they are expected to do but will remind them that their involvement is a legal requirement.

Nominate fire safety wardens to observe the fire drill

Wardens will assess the evacuation process which will form part of their practical training, they will make sure everyone is participating and noting the appropriateness of actions and behaviours, paying particular attention to any issues which may occur during the fire drill.

Warning visitors that a fire drill is scheduled to occur

This is for visitors who are likely to be present at the time of the drill, they will not be informed that a fire drill is going to take place, and wardens should ensure they are evacuated alongside all staff.

Wardens should monitor that sign in registers are collected for each area or department and this should include the visitors register.

Fire safety wardens should closely assess the actions of everyone participating in the fire drill

They will pay particular attention to any behaviours that would be unnecessary or inappropriate in the event of a real emergency. This includes things such as stopping to collect coats, bags, and other personal belongings unless they are easy to hand and going back in to the building before the drill is finished.

Observe people with disabilities

Take close notice of their ability to evacuate easily and quickly. Any issues which do arise such as difficulty getting down the stairs or problems exiting the building should be noted and subsequently addressed.

Make sure all the nearest fire exits and escape routes are being utilised

 As people leave the building it is important that staff do not simply use the exit, they are most familiar with as this may not be possible, or efficient, In the event of a real emergency evacuation.

All escape routes should be clearly observed

With particular attention paid to any issues experienced during the evacuation plan, such as doors being difficult to open or exits being blocked.

Take a register

Once the evacuation process has been completed. During this stage, wardens should listen closely, making sure everyone is present and noting anybody who is not there and any issues that may have arisen.

The results of the fire drill will be comprehensively recorded on the fire action plan

To comply with all legal requirements and contractual obligations we will document the details of the evacuation and clearly note any issues that arose or inappropriate behaviours that were observed, ineffective escape routes, blocked hallways or specific problems personally experienced by individuals. These will then be reviewed regularly as part of our workplace fire safety inspections.

Remedial action will be undertaken asap

If the results of the fire drill prove that remedial action is required a de-brief will take place and documented to include timescales for remedial action if required.

General

Simulated fire evacuation scenarios are designed to significantly reduce the risk of injury or harm in a fire, they involve replicating a real emergency procedure and emulating the processes which would be undertaken should a fire occur. They include setting off fire alarms and involve all employees, and any customers, guests or visitors within our premises, we are evacuating the building.

To fulfil our legal obligations, and in accordance with all fire safety regulations, fire drills should be conducted at least once a year (more often in environments such as schools and nurseries).

The practice of regularly undertaking a fire drill is a crucial part of our compliance with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Any owner or manager of a business property are legally deemed the ‘responsible person’ and, as such, it is their duty to plan for an emergency and provide staff with fire safety information, instruction, and training. Therefore, we must make sure regular fire drills are carried out and any important results are documented. Fire drills are also an important evaluation of an evacuation procedures and any remedial actions deemed necessary should be carried out.