Fire Evacuation Procedures

Do you need a scheme or procedure?

Many buildings merely require an evacuation procedure. Unlike a scheme, this procedure fundamentally requires each occupant to be responsible for his or her own safe evacuation in a fire event. Hence a procedure is typically suitable for buildings catering for less than ten people. Any more and a scheme is your safest option.

Many building owners and employers recognize the inherent risk in a procedure so prefer to upgrade to an Evacuation Scheme to improve the protection of their staff and visitors.

Most likely, the greatest portion of your business budget goes to your most valuable asset - Human Resource costs. Whilst buildings and machinery can be replaced reasonably quickly effective recruitment, orientation and training processes can be both costly and time-consuming. 

The following checklist is designed to make you aware of, and to remind you of, options you have available to you. If you answer YES to any of the following  questions, you should have a Fire Evacuation Scheme that is approved by the New Zealand Fire Service.

Checklist

Do you provide employment facilities for 10 or more people?

Can 100 or more people gather at any one time in your building?

Does the building provide accommodation for more than 5 people (other than in 3 or fewer household units)?

Do you provide early childhood facilities or licensed educational services on your premises?

Is the building used for storing hazardous substances?

Are nursing, medical, geriatric or specialized care for disabled persons provided (other than in a household unit)?

Do you provide accommodation for people under lawful detention (not home detention)?