Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs): Ensuring Fire Safety for All

Inclusive fire safety planning is a crucial aspect of any business that accommodates people on-site. Alongside a General Emergency Evacuation Plan (GEEP), it is essential to create Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) to ensure that individuals with specific needs can safely evacuate during an emergency. This guide will outline the purpose of PEEPs, who requires them, and the key considerations to keep in mind while creating these plans.

Understanding PEEPs:

A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) is a customized escape plan designed for individuals who may face challenges in reaching a place of safety on their own or within a reasonable time during an emergency situation. PEEPs provide additional assistance or arrangements that inform the individual and those around them about the necessary actions for a safe evacuation. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it is the responsibility of the ‘responsible person’ to ensure that PEEPs are created for anyone in need, as part of their fire risk assessment duties.

Determining PEEPs:

PEEPs fall into two categories: permanent and temporary.

Permanent PEEPs are necessary for individuals who require assistance when evacuating the building during an emergency. This includes individuals with mobility impairments (such as wheelchair users), sensory impairments (such as the blind or hard of hearing), individuals with medical conditions affecting their ability to use stairs (such as asthma), those with neurodiverse or mental health conditions (such as anxiety), and individuals who may struggle to comprehend emergency procedures. Care homes typically require permanent PEEPs.

On the other hand, temporary PEEPs are created for individuals with transient medical conditions, such as pregnant women or individuals with temporary injuries (e.g., broken leg).

Creating a PEEP:

While each PEEP is unique to the individual and business, there are specific steps that must be followed during the creation process:

1. Identify and involve everyone who may require assistance, both permanent and temporary impairments.
2. Collaborate with the individual and those who would assist in an emergency to create the PEEP.
3. Consider escape routes, evacuation procedures, safe spaces (clearly marked with fire exit signs), special equipment, additional training, and any other pertinent details.
4. Conduct regular drills to test the effectiveness of the PEEP and inform the individual of their involvement.
5. Record and file the PEEP, reviewing it annually for relevance and suitability as individuals’ circumstances or building layouts may change.
6. Regularly inspect and maintain class one medical devices like wheelchairs and hoists.

Key Considerations:

Writing PEEPs can involve complexity due to the diverse environment, people, and potential behaviors during emergencies. Here are some essential considerations to bear in mind:

1. Training: Adequate training must be provided to staff, including fire drills, proper use of fire extinguishers, and specific training for designated personnel like fire marshals.
2. Temporary Refuge: Designate safe spaces as temporary refuges where individuals requiring assistance can wait. These areas must be fire-resistant, provide safe routes to the final exit, and be clearly indicated with signage.
3. Safe Routes: Include multiple escape routes in the PEEP to account for potential obstructions in the primary route. Ensure all security devices on fire doors can be operated by evacuating individuals.
4. Reaching Ground Floor: Assess the suitability of lifts for evacuation purposes on a case-by-case basis, considering fire risk assessment and an overarching fire safety strategy.
5. Supporting Specific Needs: Provide orientation training for blind and partially-sighted individuals, ensuring guide dogs are familiar with alternative routes. For deaf and hearing-impaired individuals, employ visual or vibrating alert systems to ensure they are informed of emergencies.

Summary:

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) play an important role in creating an inclusive fire safety plan for businesses. By considering the specific needs of individuals who may face challenges during emergencies, PEEPs ensure that everyone can evacuate safely. Following the outlined steps and key considerations will help businesses develop effective PEEPs that comply with regulations and prioritize the well-being of all individuals on site.

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) are an essential component of inclusive fire safety plans for businesses. These plans ensure that individuals who may require assistance during an emergency evacuation are provided with the necessary support. As part of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it is the responsibility of the “responsible person” to create PEEPs for those in need, as outlined in their fire risk assessment duties.

A PEEP is a customized escape plan designed specifically for individuals who are unable to reach a place of safety independently or within a reasonable timeframe during an emergency. It outlines the additional assistance or special arrangements required, ensuring that the individual and those around them are aware of the steps needed to ensure a safe evacuation.

Permanent PEEPs are necessary for individuals who require assistance when leaving a building during an emergency. This may include individuals with mobility impairments, sensory impairments, certain medical conditions that affect their ability to use stairs, neurodiverse or mental health conditions, and those who may have difficulties understanding emergency procedures. Care homes often require permanent PEEPs due to the specific needs of their residents.

On the other hand, temporary PEEPs are designed for individuals with temporary medical conditions, such as pregnant women or individuals with short-term injuries.

Determining whether an individual requires a PEEP involves evaluating their ability to evacuate the building promptly and unaided during an emergency. If they are unable to do so, a PEEP is necessary.

Creating a PEEP involves a collaborative process between the individual requiring assistance, those who would assist them during an emergency, and the responsible person. It should consider escape routes, evacuation procedures, safe spaces, necessary equipment, and additional training. Regular drills should be conducted to test the effectiveness of the plan, and the individual should be informed of their involvement when required. Once the PEEP has been thoroughly tested and refined, it should be recorded, filed, and reviewed annually to ensure its continued relevance and suitability. Additionally, all class one medical devices, such as wheelchairs and hoists, should be regularly inspected and maintained.

Several key considerations must be taken into account when writing PEEPs. Staff training is crucial for effective emergency response, including fire drills, proper use of fire extinguishers, and specific training for designated personnel. Temporary refuges should be designated safe spaces where individuals requiring assistance can wait until further assistance is provided, and they should be clearly indicated with appropriate signage. Multiple escape routes should be detailed in PEEPs to account for any obstructions that may arise. The use of lifts during emergencies should be subject to a risk assessment and considered within the scope of a broader fire safety strategy. Assistance should be provided for individuals with visual or physical impairments to safely navigate stairs, and orientation training should be available for blind or partially-sighted individuals to facilitate alternative escape routes. Deaf or hearing impaired individuals may require alternative methods of alerting to emergencies, such as visual indicators or vibrating pager systems.

By implementing comprehensive PEEPs and considering these key factors, businesses can ensure that fire safety plans are inclusive and accessible to all individuals on their premises.