If a fire starts, everyone needs to know what to do without thinking about it. That's what your evacuation plan and fire drills are for – and they're a legal requirement for workplaces across the UK.
What the Law Says
The person responsible for the premises must have emergency procedures in place, including fire drills, and enough trained people to help everyone get out. Staff must be trained when they start and whenever the risks change. This comes from the fire safety law in each nation – see Do I Need a Fire Risk Assessment?.
What Your Evacuation Plan Should Cover
- How the alarm is raised and who calls 999.
- Clear, signed escape routes and enough exits for everyone.
- Exit doors that are easy to open without a key.
- Emergency lighting where it's needed.
- A safe assembly point, away from the building.
- Who does what – including fire marshals and a roll call.
- How people who need help will get out (see below).
How Often Should We Hold a Fire Drill?
At least once a year, and record the results. Your fire risk assessment may call for more – for example, premises where people sleep, schools, or sites with a high turnover of staff. In Scotland, guidance for premises with sleeping accommodation recommends drills at least twice a year.
After each drill, note how long it took, any problems and what you'll change.
People Who Need Help to Get Out: Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)
A personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP) is a written plan for one person. It sets out how someone who can't easily get out on their own will be helped to safety – for example, a wheelchair user or someone with a hearing impairment. Write it with the person, not about them, and practise it. Don't rely on the fire service to rescue them. See Evacuation Chairs, Slides and Mattresses: Who Needs Them?.
A PEEP should cover how the person will be alerted to a fire, the route they'll use, any equipment needed (such as an evacuation chair) and who will help them. Offer a standard plan to regular visitors too.
Residential PEEPs (England): since 6 April 2026, the responsible person for blocks of flats at least 18 metres tall (or with 7 or more storeys) – and some over 11 metres – must take reasonable steps to find residents who couldn't get out on their own in a fire, and offer them a personal assessment and an agreed evacuation plan. With the resident's permission, key details are shared with the fire and rescue service. Taking part is voluntary for residents.
Blocks of Flats: Stay Put or Get Out?
Most purpose-built blocks are designed for "stay put" – only the flat on fire is evacuated unless the fire spreads. Some buildings use a simultaneous evacuation plan instead. Residents should be told which applies to their building.
Worth remembering… your fire risk assessment is what decides what your premises need. This guide is general advice, not a substitute for it.
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