Fire doesn’t wait. It doesn’t check if you’re ready. When an emergency strikes your workplace, every second counts. That’s why every staff member must know their nearest exit, assembly point locations, and evacuation routes marked with illuminated signage.
As Ireland’s leading fire safety agency based in Dublin, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses create fire evacuation plans that work when they need to. Not in theory. In practice. Our comprehensive approach ensures designated fire wardens on each floor, regular drills, and accessible emergency equipment. Your staff deserve better than hoping for the best. They need a clear path to safety that works every time.
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According to the Health and Safety Authority of Ireland, there were around 2,500 non-domestic building fires reported in Ireland in 2022 alone, resulting in millions of euros in damages and, tragically, several injuries and fatalities. The majority of fire-related workplace injuries occur due to confusion and a lack of clear evacuation procedures.
Your staff deserve better than hoping for the best. They need a clear path to safety that works every time. Contact our fire safety consultants or learn more about our passive fire prevention and fire stopping services.
Essential Elements of a Workplace Fire Evacuation Plan
A proper fire evacuation plan starts with understanding your building-every corridor, every exit, every potential bottleneck. Studies show that buildings with rehearsed evacuation procedures experience significantly lower casualty rates.
We map your entire premises with attention to detail that only comes from decades of fire safety experience. This isn’t just about ticking boxes for regulations – it’s about keeping people alive.
An effective emergency evacuation plan must address all aspects of fire safety and emergency response. Our approach ensures your workplace is fully prepared for any situation.
Key Components of Your Firestoppers Fire Evacuation Plan
A legally compliant and effective fire evacuation plan is more than just a document; it’s a lifeline. At Firestoppers, every plan we develop for Dublin & Irish businesses includes:
1. Detailed Site Assessment & Risk Analysis
- Comprehensive evaluation of your building’s unique layout: corridors, exits, potential bottlenecks
- Identification of specific fire hazards relevant to your operations
- Assessment of occupant behaviour patterns and daily workplace routines
2. Customised Evacuation Maps & Floor Plans
- Clear, professionally drawn floor plans showing the full premises layout
- Primary and secondary escape routes are prominently marked
- Location of all fire safety equipment (extinguishers, call points, first aid kits)
- Clearly designated internal and external assembly points, situated safely away from the building
3. Step-by-Step Emergency Procedures
- Actions upon discovering a fire or smelling smoke
- Procedures for alarm activation and alerting emergency services
- Clear instructions for all staff on how to evacuate calmly and safely
- Specific shutdown procedures for critical equipment if applicable
4. Fire Warden Structure & Responsibilities
- Assignment of trained fire wardens for each designated area or floor
- Detailed checklists of fire warden duties before, during, and after an evacuation
- Communication protocols between wardens and management during emergencies
5. Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)
- Bespoke plans for any staff members or visitors with mobility issues, disabilities, or specific needs
- Clear assignment of responsible persons to assist those requiring help
- Alternative evacuation strategies for those unable to use standard escape routes
6. Alarm System & Emergency Communication Protocols
- Explanation of your building’s fire detection and alarm system
- Different alarm signals and what they mean
- Methods for internal and external communication during an emergency
7. Fire Drill Procedures & Schedules
- Recommended frequency based on your specific risk assessment
- Procedures for conducting effective drills
- Evaluation criteria and improvement processes after each drill
Irish fire safety guidelines recommend conducting fire drills at least twice a year.
8. Post-Evacuation Procedures
- Headcount processes at assembly points
- Communication with emergency services upon their arrival
- Safe re-entry protocols once the emergency is over
9. Equipment Maintenance Log Guidance
- Schedules for checking all fire-fighting equipment
- Documentation requirements for compliance purposes
- Responsibility assignments for regular maintenance
10. Staff Training Requirements
- Outline of necessary training for general staff and fire wardens
- Refresher schedule recommendations
- Documentation of training completion for regulatory compliance
Irish Fire Safety Regulations Your Business Must Follow
Irish law doesn’t suggest you have an emergency evacuation plan – it demands it.
Legal Requirement:
The Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 require every employer to prepare adequate emergency procedures. Failure to comply can result in fines up to €5,000 per breach and, in severe cases, criminal prosecution.
Your business must comply with these requirements:
- Regular fire risk assessments
- Proper maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems
- Accessible emergency exits that remain unblocked
- Clearly displayed safety signs
- Regular testing of all firefighting equipment
- Documented fire evacuation procedures
Resource: Health and Safety Authority (HSA) – Fire Safety in the Workplace
Non-compliance isn’t just dangerous – it’s illegal. We ensure your workplace meets every standard required in Ireland.
Beyond the Basics: The Firestoppers Difference in Fire Evacuation Planning
Many companies install extinguishers and smoke detectors and call it done. We know better.
Research shows that 70% of businesses that suffer a major fire never reopen or close within three years due to loss of assets, data, and reputation. (Source: UK Fire Statistics)
Fire safety isn’t a product. It’s a mindset. It’s a culture.
When we develop your fire evacuation plan, we assess how your team actually works. We look at occupant behavior, not just building layout. We create strategies based on real people, not theoretical users.
For premises with people with disabilities, we develop personal emergency evacuation plans that address specific needs. No one gets left behind.
Our fire wardens don’t just learn procedures – they understand fire behaviour. They know how to guide others when panic sets in.
The Firestoppers Assessment Process for Fire Evacuation Plans
We start where others stop.
- We visit your workplace for a complete fire risk assessment
- We analyse all potential hazards and escape routes
- We review your current emergency procedures
- We map safe evacuation routes that work for your specific building
- We develop custom fire evacuation procedures for your facility
- We train your team until the plan becomes second nature
Every fire evacuation plan we create includes detailed floor plans with primary and secondary routes. We signal clearly where extinguishers, alarms, and exits are.
Why Dublin Businesses Trust Firestoppers for Fire Evacuation Plans
We’ve spent 20 years keeping Irish workplaces safe. Our team includes former fire service professionals who bring real emergency experience to your fire safety strategy.
When you work with us, you’re not getting generic templates. You’re getting a fire evacuation plan built specifically for your premises.
Our clients across Dublin, Leinster, and throughout Ireland tell us the same thing: “We finally feel prepared.” That’s the peace of mind only proper planning brings.
Take Action Today for Workplace Fire Safety
Fire doesn’t schedule appointments. Your next emergency won’t announce itself.
The average time it takes for a fire to flashover (become uncontrollable) is less than 5 minutes. Early evacuation saves lives.
Call Firestoppers today at 01 8165587 for a free initial consultation. We’ll review your current fire evacuation plan and highlight immediate improvements you can make.
