EMERGENCY EVACUATIONS


Another set of potential consequences can be found in the legal arena. Enforcement of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is leading to heavy fines, and even imprisonment for serious offenders.


This legislation requires commercial buildings, non-domestic and multi- occupancy premises in England and Wales to appoint a “responsible person” to undertake a “serious and sufficient fire risk assessment”.


Perhaps an even more worrying threat for executives is embodied in the Corporate Manslaughter Act. While this has yet to be rigorously tested in the UK regarding fire, the act allows for court proceedings to be brought against senior individuals within a company.


Improving awareness of the risks and relevant regulations have to be the first steps in better preparing commercial buildings for an emergency.


TAKING ACTION


ON EVACUATION Current guidance in the UK suggests three minutes as the maximum time in which an evacuation should be completed. Doing so within that accepted limit is reliant upon swift and accurate detection of danger, fast and reliable notification of occupants and the orderly use of predetermined exit routes.


In the case of fire hazards, the latest fire systems combine detection and notification in a single control panel that, being ‘addressable’, indicate the location where the hazard was detected. This helps the appointed employees to guide occupants in the right direction towards safety, as well as reducing the time taken by fire services to locate and tackle the potential fire.


Rather than being ‘fit and forget’ solutions, these systems require regular testing and maintenance, with all actions properly recorded and logged, to ensure fire systems are ready to activate in an emergency. However, it’s a duty that may be overlooked.


Another consideration that may be neglected is how any building occupants in areas of high noise or with hearing impairments are notified of a need to evacuate, particularly if there is nobody


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clearly want to avoid stairways but many buildings have a programme in place that deactivates lifts in the event of an alarm being sounded, which can create additional problems.


Other life safety system components that can prove especially valuable to disabled people, particularly in high- rise buildings, are refuges with two- way communication points installed.


Exit routes should be made apparent by illuminated signage and emergency lighting, which are designed to help occupants of commercial and industrial buildings find their way out in the event of power being cut. High-output lighting has also been shown to improve the ability of people with sight impairments to find their way along an exit route.


Again, similarly to VADs, there are standards in place that advise on the lux output and positioning of emergency lighting, and it’s worth noting that a basic function test should be carried out on all emergency luminaires in a building on a monthly basis.


“CURRENT GUIDANCE IN THE UK SUGGESTS THREE MINUTES


AS THE MAXIMUM TIME IN WHICH AN


EVACUATION SHOULD BE COMPLETED.”


nearby who could help. This is a concern that is driving increased usage of visual alarm devices (VADs); high performing flashing LED beacons that complement an audible alarm where further re- enforcement is required. Specifiers should be aware that there is a set of European standards, listed under EN54-23, governing the necessary light output from a VAD, as well as the recommended spacing between devices and the precise site of installation.


Due to the varied nature of disabilities, a diverse set of requirements should be considered. Exit routes, for example, are a vital area of concern. Those who are wheelchair-bound will


In locations that adhere to this requirement, testing is typically carried out manually, which has major implications in terms of staffing, scheduling and costs. All activity must also be logged for compliance purposes and the scope for human error is not insignificant. For all these reasons, there’s an increasing move towards adopting automatic testing technology to improve compliance, accuracy, time-saving, cost reduction and responsiveness.


Staying on the subject of public buildings, it is vital for owners and managers to be aware that visitors, unlike employees, will not be fully aware of action plans and exit routes. In these environments, voice alarms are worthy of consideration since they allow for pre-recorded and live announcements to be made via a public address system to instruct occupants.


The solutions and expertise to help buildings meet their evacuation obligations are available now, and it is advisable to seek accreditation from your suppliers, such as BAFE registration. Such resources need to be harnessed for everybody’s sake, because tomorrow could be too late.


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