accessibility and means of escape for people with disabilities

In 1995 the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) was introduced to ensure that disabled employees and visitors, whatever their disability should be treated as well as people without disabilities and according to their needs. Consequently it is illegal to treat a disabled person less favourably, or to place them at a substantial disadvantage to people without disabilities.

The Act includes planning and procedures for evacuation and the needs of disabled people must be included in any fire evacuation plan or strategy. An employer, building manager or service provider of premises in the UK including offices, hotels and public buildings must take reasonable steps to change practices or procedures that make it difficult for a disabled person to be evacuated safely. Any employer or service provider that fails to make provision for the safe evacuation of disabled people from their premises may be viewed as discriminatory as well as failing to comply with the current fire safety legislation.

The best practice approach to address these issues is considered to be the development of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEP), which need to cover both full time employees and visitors.

 

What is a PEEP?

Everyone has different abilities and every person is different. The unique characteristics of each building mean it is vital to prepare for emergencies with disabled people in mind. All disabled people need a PEEP - an individual plan which details how they will be alerted to an emergency, and how they will reach safety.

Peeps are based on the need to consult with disabled employees and make provision for disabled visitors, taking into account the differing features of every building. The 'Fire Safety Order' requires the responsible person to make provision for the safe evacuation of disabled people in the event of a fire.

Consideration should also be given to implementing a 'buddy' system where a colleagues with a working knowledge of the disabled persons needs is immediately on hand or contactable in the event of an emergency.

 

Don't get caught out. Consult the experts in this field, Evacuation Strategies.

With an extensive background in evacuation planning, we have quickly become established as THE leader in evacuation consultancy, design, implementation, training and testing, assisting many leading organisations improve and enhance their plans including:

• John Lewis Partnership
• Canary Wharf Management
• Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre
• Chelsea Flower Show

 

Detailed documentation, covering the PEEP needs to be completed and circulated. Clear concise evacuation maps and instructions, detailing how disabled people can reach a place of safety and identification of refuge areas should be displayed.

For infrequent visitors, a generic approach to PEEP design can be created.

Why not call us for an informal conversation about how we can help you and your organisation improve your emergency evacuation plans and procedures?