Evacuation drill: at least yearly, but how?

The fire alarm goes off. Does everyone know where the exit is, where the assembly point is and who does the head count? An evacuation drill is the only way to really find out. And it is also a legal requirement.

Evacuation drill: at least once a year

The law requires at least one evacuation drill per year (art. III.3-26 §2). It is the moment to test whether your procedures work in practice.

What needs to be in writing?

After advice from the prevention advisor and the Committee, the employer sets out written procedures (art. III.3-23). They cover:

• the tasks of the first intervention team;
• the evacuation;
• the drills;
• the extinguishing equipment;
• the information and training of employees.

The findings are kept in the fire prevention file (art. III.3-24). What the first intervention team does exactly: First intervention team: required for every employer.

Organising an evacuation drill in practice

1. Agree on an assembly point

Choose a clear place that is safe and far enough from the building. Make sure everyone knows where it is.

2. Appoint someone to count

Someone has to check that everyone is out. Without a head count, you do not know whether someone is still inside.

3. Think of visitors

Customers, suppliers and visitors do not know your building. Who guides them outside?

4. Think of less mobile colleagues

Agree in advance who helps whom. That way nobody is left on their own.

5. Evaluate afterwards

What went well? Where was it slower than expected? Were all exits clear?

6. Follow up on improvements

An evaluation without follow-up achieves little. Write down the points for improvement, assign the tasks and check at the next drill whether things have improved.

Fire and first aid go together

During an evacuation, someone may also get hurt or feel unwell. So make sure your first aiders know their role during the drill. Read How many first aiders does my company need? to check that every shift has enough people.

Clarity in the moment

In a real evacuation, stress takes over. Clear agreements and visible instructions help. With the personalised ActiBox, for example, you can have your own evacuation plan printed on the board.

Want a realistic evacuation drill, or training for your first intervention team? Request a quote.

Source: Code, Book III, Title 3 – Fire prevention in the workplace (FPS Employment, pdf, NL)