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When a fire alarm sounds, the goal is simple: get everyone out safely. However, for many employees and visitors, a “standard” evacuation procedure—involving stairs, heavy fire doors, or rapid movement—is not accessible. As a business owner or manager, you have a legal and moral obligation to ensure that everyone, regardless of mobility or sensory needs, can exit your building without delay.
This is where the Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) becomes a critical part of your health and safety strategy.
What is a PEEP?
A PEEP is a bespoke, written document tailored to an individual who may need assistance to evacuate a building in an emergency. It isn’t just about wheelchair users; it encompasses anyone with a physical, medical, or sensory impairment that affects their ability to respond to an alarm or navigate an exit route.
Why PEEPs are Legally Essential
Under the Equality Act 2010 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (and the equivalent Fire (Scotland) Act 2005), employers are responsible for the safety of all persons legally on their premises. You cannot rely on the Fire and Rescue Service to evacuate your building; you must have an internal plan that works independently.
Failure to provide a robust Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan can lead to significant legal liability, but more importantly, it puts lives at risk.
Identifying Who Needs a PEEP
It is a common misconception that PEEPs are only for permanent employees. In reality, you need to consider three distinct groups:
- Permanent Staff: Individuals with known disabilities or long-term health conditions.
- Temporary Staff/Contractors: People who may only be on-site for a few weeks but require assistance.
- Visitors: This is often referred to as a GEEP (General Emergency Evacuation Plan), which provides a standard procedure for any visitor who might need help.
Important Note: Not all disabilities are visible. Someone with a heart condition, severe asthma, or an anxiety disorder may require a PEEP just as much as someone using a walking aid.
How to Write an Effective PEEP: A 5-Step Process
1. Consultation is Key
A PEEP should never be written for someone without their input. The individual is the expert on their own capabilities. Sit down with the staff member and discuss their specific needs. What are their limitations? What are their strengths?
2. Map the Escape Route
Review the physical environment. Are there heavy fire doors that are difficult to open? Are the corridors wide enough for a wheelchair? If your office is on an upper floor, identify the location of Refuge Areas—protected zones where individuals can wait safely for a short period.
3. Identify Assistance (The ‘Buddy System’)
Most PEEPs require designated “buddies.” These are trained colleagues who agree to assist the individual during an alarm. Ensure you have at least two or three buddies per person to account for holidays or sick leave.
4. Equipment Requirements
Does the evacuation require specialist kit? This might include:
- Evacuation Chairs: For moving people down stairs safely.
- Visual Alarms: Strobe lights for those with hearing impairments.
- Vibrating Pagers: To alert individuals who may not hear a standard siren.
5. Training and Testing
A PEEP is just paper until it is practiced. Conduct a “silent walk-through” with the individual and their buddies. If an evacuation chair is involved, ensure the buddies have received formal Evacuation Chair Training from a certified provider like Synergy Training Services.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- The “One Size Fits All” Trap: A plan for a person with a visual impairment will look entirely different from a plan for someone with limited mobility.
- Ignoring Temporary Needs: Don’t forget staff with temporary injuries (e.g., a broken leg) or those in the later stages of pregnancy.
- Storing the Plan in a Drawer: PEEPs should be kept in a central fire safety folder and shared with the Fire Wardens so they know exactly who to check on during a drill.
Conclusion: Safety is Inclusive
Writing Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans is more than a box-ticking exercise; it is an essential part of a modern, inclusive workplace culture. By taking the time to plan for every individual, you ensure that your business is prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Does your team know how to use an evacuation chair? At Synergy Training Services, we provide hands-on training to ensure your “buddies” are confident and competent. Contact us today to book a training session and make your PEEPs a reality.
