When Is an Emergency Evacuation Scheme Activated?

An emergency evacuation scheme is a crucial safety measure designed to protect lives and minimise risks during emergencies. But when exactly should your business’s emergency evacuation scheme be activated? Understanding the triggers and procedures for activating this scheme is vital to ensuring the safety of everyone on your premises. In this article, we’ll explore the key scenarios that warrant the activation of an emergency evacuation scheme and what steps to take when it happens.

What Is an Emergency Evacuation Scheme?

An emergency evacuation scheme is a structured plan that outlines the procedures for safely evacuating a building during an emergency. In New Zealand, businesses are required by the Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) Act 2017 to have an approved evacuation scheme for certain types of buildings.

This scheme includes detailed instructions on evacuation routes, assembly points, and the roles and responsibilities of staff during an emergency. It’s designed to ensure a quick and orderly evacuation, reducing the risk of injury or loss of life.

Paul looking over Evacuation plan

When Should an Emergency Evacuation Scheme Be Activated?

An emergency evacuation scheme should be activated whenever there is an immediate threat to the safety of occupants within the building. Common scenarios include:

1. Fire or Smoke Detection

The most obvious trigger for activating an emergency evacuation scheme is the detection of fire or smoke within the building. Whether the fire is small or large, immediate evacuation is crucial to prevent harm. In some cases, the activation of smoke detectors or fire alarms will automatically trigger the evacuation process.

2. Gas Leak or Hazardous Material Spill

If there is a gas leak or a spill of hazardous materials, the evacuation scheme should be activated immediately. These situations can escalate quickly, leading to toxic exposure, explosions, or fires. Quick action is essential to protect everyone in the vicinity.

3. Natural Disasters

In the event of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or severe storms, activating the evacuation scheme may be necessary, depending on the severity of the situation. For instance, if a building is at risk of collapse during an earthquake, or if flooding is imminent, evacuation may be the safest course of action.

4. Bomb Threats or Security Breaches

If your business receives a bomb threat or experiences a significant security breach, such as an active shooter scenario, the evacuation scheme should be activated. These high-risk situations require a swift and coordinated response to ensure the safety of all employees and visitors.

5. Structural Failures

Any structural failure, such as a collapsed roof or compromised building integrity, can necessitate immediate evacuation. These situations are particularly dangerous and require quick action to prevent injury or fatalities.

Evacuation Plan Evacs R Us

How Is an Emergency Evacuation Scheme Activated?

The activation of an emergency evacuation scheme typically follows a set protocol. Here’s a general outline of how it works:

  1. Detection of the Emergency: The first step is the detection of the emergency, whether through fire alarms, gas detectors, or visual confirmation by staff members.
  2. Alarm Activation: Once an emergency is detected, the fire alarm or emergency alert system should be activated to notify all occupants of the need to evacuate.
  3. Evacuation Coordination: Fire wardens or designated personnel take charge of coordinating the evacuation. This includes guiding employees and visitors to the nearest exits and ensuring that everyone follows the evacuation routes.
  4. Evacuation of the Premises: All occupants should evacuate the building immediately, following the designated routes to reach the assembly points safely. In some cases, elevators should not be used, and stairwells should be the primary evacuation route.
  5. Roll Call at Assembly Points: The warden(s)/designated persons should clear the whole building as detailed in the evacuation scheme procedures. Checking every room and area. In some rare scenarios a roll call may be conducted (mainly school scenarios).
  6. Await Further Instructions: After evacuation, employees should wait at the assembly point for further instructions from fire wardens or emergency services. They should not re-enter the building until it has been declared safe.

Who Activates the Emergency Evacuation Scheme?

The responsibility for activating the evacuation scheme typically falls to designated personnel, such as wardens, security staff, or senior management. These individuals need to be trained to recognise when an evacuation is necessary and how to carry out the procedure effectively.

In some cases, the evacuation scheme may be automatically activated by fire alarm systems or other detection devices. However, manual activation is often required in situations like bomb threats or structural failures.

Ensuring Your Emergency Evacuation Scheme Is Effective

To ensure your emergency evacuation scheme is effective, it’s essential to:

  • Conduct Regular Drills: Regular fire and evacuation drills help employees become familiar with the procedures and identify any areas for improvement.
  • Review and Update the Scheme: Regularly review and update your emergency evacuation scheme to reflect changes in your business operations, building layout, or staff numbers.
  • Train Your Staff: Provide ongoing training for fire wardens and other key personnel to ensure they are prepared to act quickly in an emergency.

An evacuation scheme is a vital tool for ensuring the safety of everyone in your business during a crisis. Knowing when and how to activate this scheme can make all the difference in protecting lives and minimising damage. By understanding the scenarios that require activation and maintaining a well-practised evacuation plan, your business can be better prepared for any emergency that comes its way.

For businesses in New Zealand, partnering with a fire protection and evacuation specialist such as Evacs R Us can provide peace of mind, knowing that your evacuation scheme meets all legal requirements and is ready to be activated when needed.

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