Where Should My Fire Assembly Point Be?

In the event of a fire, panic can rapidly escalate; therefore, it’s vital to have an effective evacuation plan in place. This can help to minimise panic and confusion, allowing all occupants to leave safely. A crucial component of this is to have an established fire assembly point, where occupants can safely convene and await the arrival of the emergency services.

But where should your fire assembly point be located? And what factors should be considered when choosing the perfect spot? The team here at Fire Safety Equipment is here to help you choose the safest area.

So, what is a fire assembly point?

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states that ‘emergency routes and exits must lead as directly as possible to a place of safety’. This is usually the designated fire assembly point, which offers a safe space for all occupants to gather following an evacuation. Here, they can await the arrival of the emergency services and perform a head count to ensure that no one has been left behind. This crucial step checks that everyone is accounted for and allows emergency responders to make an informed decision regarding the need for rescue missions. Additionally, with everyone convened in one location, fire marshals can effectively disseminate further information as the situation develops.

Where should my fire assembly point be located?

Choosing the right location for your fire assembly point is a crucial decision and, as such, requires careful consideration — get it wrong and there could be catastrophic consequences. Therefore, it’s important to take into account several factors, including: 

Size – Take into consideration the number of expected occupants inside your building. Is there enough space for everyone to gather safely? If you are part of a large company with numerous employees, you may need multiple fire assembly locations, especially if your building has multiple exit points.

Access – For a fire assembly point to be effective, it must be easily accessible and have a clear and unobstructed path leading to it. It’s also important to consider those with additional needs or mobility issues — is the evacuation route fully accessible? 

Moreover, it is important to take into account how easy the area is for emergency services to access. They must be able to reach the site swiftly in order to provide assistance. Sufficient space should be available at the assembly point to accommodate emergency service personnel and their equipment, allowing them to perform their duties effectively.

Distance – Your chosen fire assembly point must be a safe distance away from the premises, minimising the risk of smoke inhalation and heat exposure. In the event of a significant fire, a large distance guarantees that all occupants remain clear from debris should the building collapse. 

Other dangers – You shouldn’t assume that you’re free of danger as soon as you leave the building, and it’s vital that you consider other potential hazards at your fire assembly point. For example, if your fire assembly point is situated in a busy car park, this can introduce its own set of dangers. 

What else is needed for a smooth evacuation?

In addition to a well-chosen assembly point, there are several other elements needed for a smooth evacuation:

• Emergency lighting – Adequate emergency lighting helps to maintain visibility and minimise panic, allowing occupants to safely find their way to the nearest exit point. Emergency lighting should be strategically placed along evacuation routes, stairwells, corridors and other critical areas.
• Fire safety signage – Clear and visible safety signage is crucial for providing clear instructions and directions during an emergency evacuation. Well-placed signs should indicate the locations of emergency exits, evacuation routes and fire assembly points, and should be legible even in low-light conditions.
• Adequate fire safety training – Emergency drills should be conducted regularly, to familiarise all occupants with evacuation procedures. Fire marshals should also be provided with the correct training and equipment to carry out their duties effectively.

Here at Fire Safety Equipment, we supply everything you could need to ensure a smooth evacuation, including fire assembly point signs. With speedy delivery to addresses nationwide, you can count on us to provide high-quality fire safety equipment to your business or HMO.

Place your order today for fast, free delivery or contact us for additional information.