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Posted By Martin Taylor
We are looking to relocate fire evacuation muster points to improve our evacuation process.
I wish to keep all points within easy view of the emergency control point and would like to know if there is any guideance on required maximum distance from the building that such points should satisfy
thanks
Martin
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Posted By Ken Taylor
I have noted that even the ferries are beginning to use the term 'Assembly Point' rather the 'Muster Station' these days.
I believe that the determining principal is that they should be at places of safety (ie that persons assembling there would not be at risk from the fire or its consequences.
The local fire authority should be able to advise with regard to a particular premises but it is best to try to avoid persons having to cross busy roads or other potential hazards on route or at the Assembly Point.
There may be other issues to consider such as personal security - particularly for potential terrorist targets where the Assembly Point is also to be used in the event of bomb or other terrorist-related emergency - so it can all be very site-specific.
In these days of radio and mobile phone communications the value of seeing the Assembly Point from the Emergency Control Point may not be such an important factor.
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Posted By Martin Taylor
thanks for your reply Ken.
your point on muster and assembly points for titles is good - I tend to use both which confuses my colleagues too.
I agree with your principle of place of safety as the overriding consideration.
Basically I am wanting to provide one assembly point (for approximately 50 people) outside of the building but directly in front of it. This location would mean most people do not need to cross any roads and are close to the emergency control point - but considerably closer to the building than present. In the event of a fire in the immediate vicinity within the building (it is a low risk area) the group could be moved further away.
Would anybody have concerns over this arrangement?
cheers
Martin
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Posted By James Goodstadt
Martin
That sounds reasonable enough. The assembly point in my last office was in the (not particularly large) car park surrounding the building, as there were roads on 3 of the 4 sides. If a fire ever got too large to wait there, we would have moved further away.
Like Ken says, if you are still concerned about it, have a quick word with the local fire officer. They are normally very helpful.
James
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Posted By Ken Taylor
If directly in front of the building, would the evacuees be at risk from falling glass, heat, smoke, embers, etc coming from windows and other perforations to the facade? It sounds like they may need to assemble a bit further away to me. If, after consultation with the fire officer, it is decided to go along with your proposed two-stage system of assembly, you will need to write this into your fire plan - including the procedure for determining the need to move on to the further position, how this instruction will be given to the staff and by whom. I would not think it acceptable to have a system which basically says 'stand in front of the building and if it gets too hot or dangerous move on'.
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Posted By Laurie
That is the problem with assembly areas - evacuees will actually put themselves in danger in order to reach their assembly area. I have seen it happen.
Can you get away with "The nearest clear safe area"?
Laurie
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