Rank: Forum user 
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we are looking to implement a fire sweep system in the event of a building evacuation as roll calls are not feasible due to the large movement of personnel between different buildings on an industrial estate.
Firstly we are being told that 2.5minutes to air is the max search time for a sweep? Does anyone know where this figaure comes from. As it doesn't make sense to evacuation all the buildings toi account for personnel by roll call, what are the alternatives to fire sweep?
thanks,
Walsh
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Rank: Forum user
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Sweeps are the way to go. Roll calls cannot be relied on. The only good thing about them is that they give managers something to do and keeps them away from the control group. (this is essential)
Getting all personnel out of a building in about three minutes is a good target, but don't be too pedantic as some may have specific responsibilities which can hold them back e.g. employees tasked with shut-down procedures or those in difficult positions (confined space, anyone ?) Sweeps only start to come out when they have completed sweeping their area and ensured no-one is left behind. Somewhere around 5 minutes is about ok. But, again, don't be too pedantic.
But circumstances and sites differ. Time it on a practice evacuation (with advance notice) (first time is always a disaster) then hold a post mortem to see where you could do even better next time.
Merv
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Rank: New forum user
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We use a sweep system for a large comprehensive school ( 2000 students) and it works very well. Each area has two fire marshals ( one acts as a reserve ) who are allocated an area to sweep they then wait outside their building exit point to report to an area checker who in turn has radio contact with the estates team who control the site in the event of an emergency evacuation. The teaching staff only have responsibilities for the students. Its important to have an organised team and back up staff as a reserve especially when controlling large sites.
For a blind drill we aim to be out in under 6 minutes but as the posts below state don't get too hung up on times each site has its own issues to consider when working out optimum evacuation times.
Hope this helps. Chris
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Sweep, it's the best method. The fire and rescue teams are only interested in being told a building is clear or not.
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Rank: Forum user
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quote=Walsh27331]
Firstly we are being told that 2.5minutes to air is the max search time for a sweep? Does anyone know where this figure comes from. As it doesn't make sense to evacuation all the buildings to account for personnel by roll call, what are the alternatives to fire sweep?
thanks,
Walsh
Have you tried asking whoever gave you the 2.5 minute to air quote, where they got that information from?
With regards to whole site evacuation then does your alarm system not allow for evacuation of either only building/s affected by a fire or those in immediate risk (i.e.adjacent buildings)? As in this case whole site evacuation is not always necessary; that said of course if all hell breaks loose or acetylene bottles, large quantities of flammable liquids gases etc are involved then mass evacuation may be required.
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