Fire evacuation planning

Stringent laws and regulations ensure facilities are prepared for emergencies in New South Wales (NSW). Here, we explore the essentials of fire evacuation planning, highlighting the legal requirements and best practices to ensure safety and compliance.

In NSW, fire safety regulations are governed by several key pieces of legislation. The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 mandates that buildings comply with fire safety standards through the Building Code of Australia (BCA), a part of the National Construction Code (NCC). The BCA outlines the fire safety measures required for different types of buildings.

The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 requires employers to ensure the health and safety of employees and others in the workplace. This includes having effective fire evacuation plans. Fire and Rescue NSW, under the 1989 Act, has the authority to inspect buildings for compliance with fire safety regulations and issue orders for improvements if necessary. The Building and Development Certifiers Act 2018 governs the certification of buildings, ensuring that they meet the required safety standards, including fire safety.

As you can see, fire protection is highly regulated and taken seriously in New South Wales. Fire evacuation planning forms part of the overarching fire safety specifications for building owners and managers, and outsourcing it to a professional services firm helps ensure the building’s safety and compliance status.

Evacuation plans will vary depending on the building size, layout and usage. Large educational buildings may have a number of evacuation points and assembly areas for staff and students where a manufacturing facility may exit people through a particular route to mitigate the risk of harm from chemical storage points or other potential toxic ignition sites. Regardless of the facility, fire evacuation plans are required. These plans provide clear, organised procedures for efficiently evacuating a building during a fire and to minimising panic and confusion. They outline escape routes, assembly points, and roles and responsibilities, ensuring everyone knows what to do in an emergency. Regular drills and training reinforce these procedures. Additionally, compliance with legal requirements and fire safety standards is mandatory, making a well-structured fire evacuation plan essential for operational and regulatory compliance.

Designing an evacuation plan should be conducted by qualified professionals who will conduct a thorough assessment to identify fire hazards and evaluate the risks. This should cover all areas of the facility and consider various fire scenarios.

Experienced fire professionals can clearly mark all emergency exits and ensure they are unobstructed. Emergency routes should be easily accessible, well-lit, and signposted. Regular drills should be conducted to familiarise occupants with these routes.

In collaboration with building managers and owners it is important to develop detailed procedures for evacuation, including roles and responsibilities of staff, methods of alerting occupants, and steps to take during an evacuation. This should also include provisions for people with disabilities or special needs.

Safe assembly points are neccessary and need to be designated outside the building where occupants can gather after evacuation. These areas need to be far enough from the building to avoid danger but close enough for easy access. The facility must have and maintain fire alarm systems that comply with Australian Standards (AS 1670.1). Regular testing and maintenance is requiredl to ensure these systems function correctly during an emergency.

The facility should be equipped with appropriate fire fighting tools, such as extinguishers, hose reels, and sprinklers and selected staff are trained in the use of this equipment. With professional fire protection advice facilities must establish a communication plan to ensure clear and efficient communication during an emergency. This includes internal communication (among staff and occupants) and external communication (with emergency services and authorities).

Regular training and fire drills cannot be underestimated. Larger facilities do have higher staff turnovers and often multiple visitors. Conducting training and fire drills at least annually and include all occupants of the building is required and the fire evacuation plan should be part of new staff inductions.

Compliance with fire safety regulations is not a one-time task but an ongoing responsibility. Regular reviews and updates of the fire evacuation plan are necessary to address any changes in the building layout, occupancy, or fire safety regulations. Engaging a certified fire safety professional can help ensure that the plan meets all legal requirements and is tailored to the specific needs of the facility.

DEM Fire works closely with a broad variety of commercial, educational and industrial facilities providing expert fire safety solutions including evacuation plans and fire protection installations. Our team is highly experienced servicing New South Wales for over forty years.

We deliver a comprehensive suite of services that cover every aspect of fire safety—from solution design to strategic fire system installation, asset management, and fire compliance. We stay ahead of industry trends, new technologies, and legislative updates to ensure our clients receive the most current and effective fire protection solutions.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current fire protection system, need a comprehensive solution for a new project, or advice or upgrade to an evacuation plan, DEM Fire has the expertise and resources to deliver exceptional results. Trust us to protect your facility with the best in the industry.

Contact us today to discuss how we can tailor a fire protection solution to meet your specific needs and ensure the safety and compliance of your facility.