In a multi occupancy office block (with offices let to different individuals/companies), how do you run meaningful fire drills?
As controller of the building we have responsibility for the fire risk assessments but we are remote to it therefore when we run a fire drill will have no concrete way of knowing who is in the building as there is no receptionist. It is a small block of 8 offices.

Anyone else come up against (and solved this?)

Thanks FireSafety101, we had that idea but wanted to check it out.

I am not sure what 'controller of the building' means in practice, but if you are responsible for drills, then the other Responsible Persons in the building must cooperate and coordinate with you (Article 22 of the Fire Safety Order applies).

I would write to each company and inform them that they should have a fire risk assessment in place (perhaps a recorded FA in certain circumstances) and they should also have an emergency plan in place.

As there is no person on site in overall control on site, each occupier will need to account for their own staff as part of their plan

You may wish to add a link to your local fire service's website as most will have further information on a fire safety page

Inform them that sometime during the working day on a date after 28 days from the date of your e-mail/letter, you will be conducting an unannounced fire evacuation drill. This will be an opportunity for them to practice their plans. Any failure to comply will be recorded and shown the the fire service upon request.

You may wish to ask if there are any dates or times to be avoided as this will show your attempts at cooperation (as required by law) to be reasonable.

Then just do it! Log any comments or observations and file it away in case the fire service audit the premises at a later day, and good luck!