What Should Employees Do in a Fire Emergency?

Nobody really expects a fire to break out, but it is the kind of incident that all business (and homes) should be prepared for, regardless of how good the fire prevention measures are. Preventing a fire is all well and good, but emergency evacuation plans and drills are still necessary.

In this content piece, we will be exploring the role of an employee in a fire emergency, and how they can be prepared to execute their role.

Fire Emergency Plans

When a fire breaks, all people in the building have to leave at a moment’s notice. They cannot stop to gather their things, save their work, or collect any belongings. A fire emergency plan is created by fire wardens, who are put in place by the employer, and they are responsible for helping the employees understand the evacuation procedures and receive training and drills for practicing it.

A fire emergency evacuation plan typically consists of the following components:

1. Emergency exits and evacuation routes: Detailed information about all emergency exits and evacuation routes in the building, including the location of fire exits, stairways, elevators, and assembly points.
2. Emergency procedures: Clear and concise instructions for employees on what to do in the event of a fire, including activating the fire alarm, evacuating the building, and reporting to designated assembly points.
3. Communication plan: Information on how to communicate with employees, first responders, and others in the event of a fire emergency, including designated emergency contacts and alarm systems.
4. Fire drills: Regular fire drills to help employees become familiar with the emergency procedures and evacuation routes.
5. Maintenance of equipment: A plan for regular maintenance and testing of fire suppression systems, smoke detectors, and other fire safety equipment.
6. Employee training: Regular training sessions to educate employees on fire safety, emergency procedures, and the use of fire suppression equipment.
7. Review and updates: A plan for regularly reviewing and updating the evacuation plan to ensure it remains relevant and effective.

Apart from the organization, employees have a duty to uphold their responsibilities within the action plan as well. However, employers need to make their role clear and provide proper training to do so. 

The Employee’s Role in a Fire Emergency

In a fire emergency, employees are directed by the fire warden, typically having to follow a few procedures to ensure everyone is safe.

• Follow the Emergency Exit

Typically, the first and most important step is that all employees should evacuate the building immediately upon hearing the fire alarm or being instructed to do so by a supervisor. They should use the designated evacuation routes and proceed to the nearest emergency exit.

• All Employees Should Gather at One Point

These evacuation routes have to be known by the employees beforehand through bi-annual drills. Employees are supposed to gather at a designated assembly point outside the building after evacuation, where they can be accounted for and receive further instructions. It helps determine if anyone is still inside and needs rescuing.

• Report Any Accidental Fires, Smoke, and More

Even if the fire is put out by a fire warden (even though it is recommended that fire wardens don’t try to fight the fire), employees should still report any known or suspected fires to the fire department, and provide as much information as possible about the location and extent of the fire.

• Be as Helpful as Possible for Responders

While generally this is the responsibility of fire wardens, employees can also cooperate with emergency responders in including providing information about the building’s layout, emergency exits, and the location of any hazardous materials. This can be helpful for the fire fighters if they need to watch for anything specific during the emergency.

• Avoid any Additional Actions During Evacuation

Lastly, the general rule during any emergency is to head straight for the exit. Employees should prioritize their personal safety and take appropriate actions, such as using fire extinguishers or activating fire suppression systems, but only if it is safe to do so and they have been given the proper training.

It’s important for employees to be familiar with the fire emergency procedures and evacuation plan for their workplace and to participate in regular fire drills. This can help ensure that everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire and can evacuate the building quickly and safely.

Training Employees for Fire Emergencies

From providing fire awareness training to all employees to having well-trained fire wardens, the responsibility that employees have in following a fire emergency plan requires that employers put proper procedures in place as well.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that fire drills be conducted every three to six months, as it helps any new hires learn the emergency procedures and lets existing employees be up to date on the process.

Conclusion

Fire emergencies are something that all workplaces should be prepared for, and should prioritize in their safety processes. Here, we have discussed what an emergency fire safety plan consists of, and what employees need to do during it.

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