Ensuring safety with effective evacuation planning 


The UK government has recently mandated that evacuation plans will become a legal requirement for building owners, particularly for high-rise and higher-risk residential buildings. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance fire safety following recent tragedies. The importance of having robust evacuation plans cannot be overstated, especially for emergency and planned decants. 

The importance of evacuation planning

Effective evacuation planning is crucial for ensuring the safety of all building occupants, including those who are vulnerable or have mobility impairments. It involves establishing clear and accessible evacuation routes, understanding the building’s capacity for an orderly decant, and ensuring that all occupants are accounted for during an emergency. 

Key elements of a robust evacuation plan 

  1. Chain of command: It is essential to ensure that decisions are made efficiently and communicated effectively. 
  2. Emergency procedures: Clearly mark all emergency equipment, routes, and exits. 
  3. High-rise building procedures: Post evacuation plans on each floor and identify personnel responsible for leading the evacuation. 
  4. Assistance for occupants: Have a plan in place for assisting all building occupants, including those with disabilities, to evacuate safely.
 
Preparing for emergencies 

Having a well-prepared evacuation plan is essential for responding swiftly and efficiently to unforeseen disasters and emergencies. It provides a framework for action, reduces the risk of panic, and helps ensure that everyone reaches safety in a coordinated manner. 

Minimising disruption during planned decants 

In the context of planned decants, such plans are vital for minimising disruption and ensuring that the process is conducted in a safe, orderly, and timely fashion. Regularly reviewing and updating your evacuation plans to adapt to any changes in the building layout, occupancy, or other relevant factors is crucial. 

Why A3/LSH

With over 25 years of experience, A3/LSH is the top-ranked provider on PfH’s Accommodation & Decant Managed Services framework. Their expertise ensures that your evacuation plans are comprehensive and effective, safeguarding the well-being of all building occupants. Find out more about our Accommodation & Decant Managed Services framework here.