How to Design a Fire Escape Plan for the Workplace
- 1). Draw up a diagram of the entire office, noting ground floor exits and the work stations for every employee. Trace at least two escape routes from every work station to the outside of the building: one main route and one alternate route to take in case the main one is blocked. Neither of the escape routes should involve an elevator (which should never be used in the event of a fire regardless), and all of them should be properly lit so that an able adult can move through them safely.
- 2). Label all doors outside with an "Exit" sign and put warning signs up on any doors that may look like an exit but aren't. Make sure the exit doors out are free of obstruction and can be opened easily by people inside. There may be panic during a fire and an exit that doesn't open readily can result in injury.
- 3). Place fire alarms and fire extinguishers in easily accessible points throughout the workplace. Make sure they're clearly labeled and that every work station can reach at least two of them readily.
- 4). Arrange for a central meeting place outside the building where everyone can gather in the event of a fire. (A main parking lot is a good choice.) Instruct your employees to head there as soon as they have cleared the building. Department managers should keep track of every person working under their watch and perform a head count at the central meeting place to ensure everyone got out of the office okay.
- 5). Note any employees who are handicapped or who might otherwise require assistance getting out in the event of a fire. Assign a supervisor or nearby employee to assist them if necessary.
- 6). Plan for regular drills to test your employees' readiness. Have supervisors speak to those beneath them about exiting in an orderly fashion, knowing the designated escape routes and proceeding to the central gathering place as soon as they are clear.
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