🔥 Fire Evacuation Procedures: Why Every Business Needs a Robust, Practised Plan

When was the last time your fire evacuation procedure was updated, tested, or even discussed?

In the world of workplace safety, few things are as critical – yet often overlooked – as fire evacuation planning. At SJH Safety Solutions, we regularly work with UK businesses that believe they’re protected simply because they have a fire plan on file.

But here’s the truth:A fire evacuation plan that isn’t practised, reviewed, or understood is almost as risky as having no plan at all.

🚨 Common Issues We See in the Workplace

Through our consultancy work across the UK, we see the same recurring issues in workplaces of all sizes:

• Outdated or generic evacuation plans – Often not tailored to the actual building layout, risks, or staff needs.

• No trained fire wardens – In a real emergency, the absence of leadership leads to confusion.

• Lack of communication systems – Staff unsure where to go, what to do, or who’s in charge.

• No Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) – Vulnerable individuals may be left behind.

• No regular fire drills – Or worse, drills that are treated as meaningless box-ticking exercises.

  
  

These issues aren’t just inconvenient — they’re dangerous.

✅ What the Law Requires

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, UK employers must:

• Complete a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment

• Install appropriate fire detection and alarm systems

• Create a clear and actionable fire evacuation plan

• Provide fire safety training for staff

• Review and revise procedures regularly, especially after any operational or building changes

  
  

Failure to comply can lead to enforcement action, fines, or prosecution.

🔍 Tips for a Compliant and Effective Evacuation Plan

If you’re not sure whether your plan is fit for purpose, here are some essential tips to get you started:

• ✅ Appoint and train fire wardens (recommendation: 1 per 20 staff)

• ✅ Review your plan annually, or sooner if anything changes

• ✅ Carry out at least two fire drills per year – one should be unannounced

• ✅ Develop PEEPs for any staff or regular visitors who may require assistance

• ✅ Make sure escape routes and exits are clearly marked and unobstructed

• ✅ Keep alarms and detection systems maintained and tested

When an emergency hits, people need a clear process — not chaos.

📈 Why It Matters Beyond Compliance

Strong fire evacuation procedures do more than just tick boxes. They help:

• 🛡️ Protect your team and visitors

• ⏱️ Reduce panic and confusion in real emergencies

• 🔁 Minimise disruption and downtime

• 👥 Foster a culture of safety and responsibility

• 💼 Demonstrate professionalism and care to staff, insurers, and clients

📩 Need Expert Help?

At SJH Safety Solutions, we specialise in helping UK businesses develop, review, and implement effective fire evacuation strategies that meet legal standards and actually work in practice.

Our services include:

• Full fire risk assessments

• Evacuation strategy development

• PEEP creation

• Fire warden training

• Support with planning and running fire drills

  
  

👉 Contact us today for a free initial discussion and to make sure your procedures are ready when it matters most.