If you have employees, visitors, customers or residents on your business premises, then you will likely be aware you are required to have a General Emergency Evacuation Plan. But are you aware you may also need a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan?
In this guide, we’ll discuss what each evacuation plan is, who they apply to and how to know if your business needs them.
What is a General Emergency Evacuation Plan (GEEP)?
A General Emergency Evacuations Plan (GEEP) enables visitors and workers in a building to become familiar with the layout, evacuation procedures, emergency equipment that is available and communication devices that can be used in an emergency.
The purpose of a GEEP is to ensure everyone in the building is aware of how to evacuate safely in the event of an emergency, especially those who are elderly or have mobility problems.
What is a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)?
A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) is a bespoke escape plan for individuals who may have difficulty leaving a building in the event of an emergency.
A PEEP will usually outline the specific assistance a person will need to reach a place of safety, especially for those with mobility issues, visual impairments or cognitive disabilities.
The main difference between GEEPs and PEEPs
The main difference between GEEPs and PEEPs is that a GEEP is a general evacuation plan for the whole building, whereas a PEEP is a customised plan specifically tailored to meet the needs of an individual.
Key points to note about GEEPs and PEEPs are:
GEEPS:
PEEPs:
What GEEPs and PEEPs include
GEEPs and PEEPs both include essential safety procedures an individual must take to escape from a building. However, a PEEP is personally tailored to the specific needs of an individual.
A GEEP should include:
A PEEP will include similar details to a GEEP, however, it will generally identify the escape routes and exits for specific individuals who are not able to use the same emergency exits as others.
The plan will need to be regularly tested during evacuation drills in order to ensure all staff members are aware of the procedures and are capable of using any equipment needed during the evacuation.
Are GEEPs and PEEPs legal requirements?
Yes, under the Equality Act and the
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005,
GEEPs and PEEPs are a legal requirement, particularly when it comes to ensuring the safe evacuation of people with mobility impairments in public spaces.
Your business must have a designated ‘responsible person’ who will ensure that GEEPs are clearly displayed throughout the whole building and PEEPs are created and designated to the specific individual.
How do you know if your business needs a GEEP, PEEP or both?
If your business allows people on-site, including both customers and staff, then you will need a GEEP.
However, knowing whether you need a PEEP isn’t as straightforward. You should ask yourself if your employee or regular visitor can evacuate the building unaided and prompt during an emergency. If the answer is no, then you will need to create a PEEP.
You can create a permanent PEEP for any person who has:
Alternatively, you can create a temporary PEEP for those who have short term injuries, such as broken bones, temporary medical conditions and those in the later stages of pregnancy.
Who is responsible for GEEPs and PEEPs in a business?
Generally speaking, building owners and managers or any other ‘responsible person’ is responsible for creating a GEEP.
Employers and building managers are responsible for creating and updating PEEPs for employees, visitors and customers.
How often should GEEPs and PEEPs be reviewed and updated?
Although there is no specific timeframe outlined in the law, GEEPs and PEEPs should be reviewed and updated accordingly at least once a year.
They should also be updated as soon as there has been any significant changes to the building layout, the equipment or the needs of the occupants.
At Lanahan Risk Management Services, we can help to update and implement GEEPs and PEEPs for your business. If you think your GEEP or PEEP needs to be reviewed or there have been significant changes to your premises and you don’t feel confident reviewing them by yourself, we can do it for you.
Get in touch with our team today to see how we can help keep you and your business safe with our related fire risk assessment services.