Following Emergency Evacuation Procedures
The Problem
Emergencies such as fires, chemical spills, or other hazards can happen without warning. Failing to evacuate quickly or not reporting to the designated assembly area puts everyone at risk. It also creates additional hazards for emergency services who may have to search for missing people. Today, we’ll look at the risks of not following emergency evacuation procedures and the steps we can take to ensure a safe, organised evacuation.
Identify the Hazards
- Failure to Evacuate Promptly: Delaying evacuation or ignoring alarms can expose you to fire, smoke, toxic fumes, or structural collapse.
- Not Reporting to Designated Assembly Areas: Failing to check in may lead emergency responders to believe you’re still inside, putting them in danger.
- Unfamiliarity with Evacuation Routes: Not knowing your evacuation route or assembly area can cause confusion and delays in an emergency.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
Evacuate Immediately When Alarms Sound
- Always evacuate straight away—never assume it’s a drill.
- Follow the designated evacuation route to your assembly area.
Know Your Designated Assembly Areas
- Be aware of the primary assembly point for your work area.
- Identify an alternate assembly area in case the primary one is not safe due to wind, smoke, or chemical exposure.
Recognise Alarm Signals
- Understand the different alarm types in your workplace, whether it’s sirens, bells, or public address announcements.
- Know what each alarm means and act accordingly.
Help Keep Others Safe
- Ensure you are accounted for at the assembly area.
- Encourage others to evacuate immediately and remain calm and orderly during evacuation.
Understand the Consequences
- Delays and failure to check in create risks for everyone, including emergency personnel.
- Non-compliance could result in injury, fatality, or legal consequences.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
On a previous worksite, a worker assumed a fire alarm was a drill and didn’t evacuate. Firefighters later entered the building to search for missing workers, risking their own safety. Meanwhile, the worker had exited through a side door and failed to check in. The confusion delayed emergency response and put others at risk. This could have been prevented by following the evacuation plan and reporting to the assembly point.
Employee Responsibilities
- Evacuate promptly when an alarm is activated.
- Report to your assigned assembly area to be accounted for.
- Learn the primary and secondary evacuation routes and assembly areas.
Employer Responsibilities
- Provide clearly displayed evacuation plans and site maps.
- Conduct regular drills and train all staff on emergency procedures.
- Maintain alarm systems and ensure they function correctly.
Discussion & Questions
- “Does anyone have any questions about our evacuation procedures or assembly points?”
- “Have you ever experienced confusion during an evacuation? How could we improve the process?”
Encourage team members to share feedback or offer suggestions for improving the site’s emergency plan.
Commitment/Action Plan
Let’s commit to knowing our evacuation routes and assembly points and responding immediately to alarms. Starting today, if an alarm sounds—treat it seriously, evacuate promptly, and check in at the correct location.
Wrap-Up
Emergencies are unpredictable, but following our evacuation procedures is a simple way to protect everyone on site. Your quick, organised response can save lives. Thank you for taking safety seriously and for making evacuations a team priority.
Standards Overview
WorkSafe New Zealand requires employers to develop and maintain emergency plans under the Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016.
Key requirements include:
- Recognisable alarm systems.
- Clearly marked evacuation routes and assembly points.
- Procedures for accounting for everyone after evacuation.
- Regular training and drills.
Disclaimer
These toolbox talks are provided for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional legal, health and safety, or regulatory advice.
The content reflects recognised best practices and general industry standards as at the date of publication. However, it may not be applicable to all workplace environments or specific operational contexts.
It is the responsibility of the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), as well as officers, workers, and other duty holders under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), to ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and WorkSafe New Zealand guidance.
The authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk disclaim all liability for any loss, damage, or injury arising from the use or reliance on the information provided. Users should seek advice from a suitably qualified health and safety professional or legal advisor for guidance tailored to their specific circumstances.
Always follow your organisation’s policies, procedures, and safe work practices to manage risks and maintain a safe and healthy workplace.
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