In an emergency, especially when it comes to a fire breaking out in a building, a safe evacuation of all residents/occupants should be the priority.
However, not every resident/occupant will be able to evacuate in a safe manner without the assistance of others and, for this reason, it is important to have a personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP) in place for this eventuality.
What is a PEEP?
It is a bespoke escape plan, created to assist individuals who may require additional support during a general emergency evacuation of a building. The purpose of a PEEP is to ensure that ALL people can evacuate the building safely and promptly in the event of an emergency, regardless of their level of mobility or other impairments.
There are two main types of PEEPs:
Permanent PEEPs are created for individuals who have a permanent disability or impairment that affects their ability to evacuate a building unaided. Common examples of disabilities or impairments that may require a permanent PEEP include:
- Mobility impairments – unable to use stairs; slow or difficulty walking; distance limited; may impede the escape of others.
- Sight impairments – difficulty identifying exit routes or obstructions, or reading signage, particularly emergency action notices.
- Dexterity or strength – opening doors, particularly self-closers; operating door handles, snib locks, panic bars, lift controls etc.
- Hearing impairments – awareness of alarm sounds; ability to hear verbal instructions/warnings.
- Cognitive impairments – awareness of alarm systems such as bells, sirens, voice alarms; ability to act as directed; ability to interpret signs, instructions, warnings; unable to read; neurodiverse or mental health conditions; dementia.
Temporary PEEPs are created for individuals who have a temporary disability or impairment that affects their ability to evacuate the building unaided. Common examples of temporary disabilities or impairments include:
- Short-term injuries, such as a broken leg.
- Temporary medical conditions, such as a recent surgery or illness.
- Pregnancy, particularly in the later stages when mobility may be affected.
Temporary PEEPs are designed to be reviewed and updated as the person’s condition improves or changes.
What should a PEEP contain?
The contents of a PEEP will depend heavily on the needs of the individual and the building they use. The main details to consider when creating a PEEP include:
- The individual, including things such as what their impairment is, whether they need a permanent or temporary plan, and how they can be helped.
- How they will get to a place of safety, such as the building assembly point, and whether they understand where their escape routes (evacuation routes) are. Have all escape routes been cleared of potential hazards for when an impaired person leaves the building?
- Will any devices, equipment or procedures be needed to help them in an emergency situation, e.g. a wheelchair being made available?
- Does the person in question have the ability to evacuate by themselves, or will assistance be needed in an emergency situation where they cannot leave the building unaided?
- Does the person agree with the plan, and have they been involved in its creation?
- Has the plan been properly communicated to all involved with it, including those who will be assisting in the evacuation procedures?
Who is responsible for completing a PEEP?
It is the duty of the Responsible Person for the premises to complete any PEEPs that may be needed. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the Responsible Person to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment, which must consider the needs of any persons who may have difficulty escaping in an emergency.