Fire safety planning is a fundamental aspect of protecting any business or organisation from the consequence of fire. A fire or other emergency can potentially cause irreparable damage
to a business, leading to catastrophic losses (life, property, reputation) or even permanent closure. This is why businesses in New Zealand need to adopt a comprehensive evacuation
plan*.
An evacuation scheme outlines procedures that should be followed in case of a fire. It is important to note that having an evacuation plan is not only a legal requirement in
New Zealand, but it also ensures the safety of your employees, customers, visitors, and your business property.
*Note – All relevant buildings in NZ are required to have a FENZ approved evacuation scheme. Buildings not meeting the “relevant building” criteria are required to have an evacuation
procedure this does not need to be approved by FENZ.
Legal Requirements
In New Zealand, the law requires that all business premises, whether big or small, must have an evacuation procedure or scheme in place. The law mandates that all businesses
must take precautions to minimise the risk of fire and ensure that everyone is safe in case a fire or other emergency breaks out.
Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to fines, legal penalties, and even imprisonment. It is essential to have a well-planned and implemented evacuation plan to avoid any legal problems and ensure compliance.
Proactive Risk Management
Having an evacuation scheme in place also helps to identify potential fire risk areas. This allows businesses to take proactive steps to prevent fires from happening in the first place.
By conducting regular fire risk assessments and implementing preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of fires occurring.
Employee Safety
Creating an evacuation plan also ensures the safety of your employees. Your employees spend a considerable amount of time in the workplace, and it’s your responsibility to ensure
their safety. A well-designed evacuation scheme identifies escape routes, assembly points, and procedures that should be followed during a fire or other emergency.
This information can be communicated to employees through training and regular fire drills. A clear understanding of the evacuation scheme reduces the potential for panic and ensures a
smooth and safe evacuation.
Protects Your Business Assets
Putting measures in place to protect your business property can be a significant investment. A fire can cause irreparable damage to your business and result in extensive financial
losses. However, with a well-planned evacuation scheme, you can ensure your business assets are as safeguarded from the consequence of fire as possible. Evacuation schemes should identify areas within the business that are more susceptible to fires and outline prevention systems such as sprinkler systems, alarms and fire extinguishers.
Above all, an evacuation scheme gives you peace of mind. Knowing that you have a well-managed and implemented evacuation scheme can help protect your business and
employees from the consequences of fire. Evacuation schemes need to be reviewed periodically, at least once a year (generally every six months during the trial evacuations/training), to ensure that they remain current and effective. A comprehensive evacuation scheme is not only a legal requirement but also a smart investment for your business as it shows that you promote a safe and secure environment for your staff. Don’t let your business operations remain more vulnerable to fire risk than they need to.
Plan today, and equip your business with the necessary tools to prepare, prevent or react to reduce the consequence of a fire or other emergency.