Fire Evacuation Planning for Warehouses & Industrial Sites

The day-to-day operations of most sites with large, open spaces include docks, machinery, and storage. Buildings like these contain staff, contractors, and vehicles and have work areas that constantly change. As a result, emergency planning for these sites can’t really be like other sites. Evacuation plans for these workplaces should include exit points and safe paths, assembly areas, alarm and zone hazards, staff and contractor roles, and work area changes. Site plans should also be adequate to fulfil WHS and AS 3745-2010.

Emergency Procedures for Complex Work Areas

Evacuating industrial sites can be difficult where procedures are not adequately defined. Staff can be divided into production areas, storage aisles, work areas, offices, loading zones and even outdoor areas. Delivery and contracting staff can also be on-site. Procedures should reflect the actions and roles of all these people in the case of an alarm. Procedures should also include the emergency communication actions of Wardens and Managers.

Industrial Risks and Site Movement

Warehouses and industrial buildings also contain risks that smaller workplaces do not. These can include machinery, forklifts, chemicals, large storage racks, fuel areas, electrical zones and restricted areas. The fire evacuation plan should account for what people do and how they move around in these areas. Plans should also detail what staff do when paths and areas are restricted. Plans should also assist contractors and staff who are isolated.

Diagrams That Reflect Real Site Layouts

Evacuation diagrams used by businesses in Sydney should correspond with the layout of the actual site. In a warehouse or industrial site, this should indicate the aisles, exits, loading docks, emergency equipment, assembly areas, work zones, and more. Diagrams should be simple enough to be read in busy environments. These diagrams can also direct the workers, visitors, and contractors in determining their location within the site and the quickest way to the safety area.

Procedure Manuals for Staff and Contractors

Emergency procedure manuals provide staff and contractors with written instructions. Emergency manuals can describe the actions to be taken in response to an alarm, the evacuation route, and the reporting of assembly points, as well as the management and responsibilities of visitors and wardens. Emergency manuals should be written in simple language, as employees may follow them when under stress. These manuals should also be linked to the fire evacuation and emergency management plans of the site to ensure the integrity of the system.

Training for Staff and Contractors

Fire warden training and evacuation drills can be very effective for warehouses and industrial sites. These drills and training provide staff with the rehearsal of the evacuation route, communication, and identification of limitations within the system prior to an emergency. Drills and training can also assess if exits are blocked, assembly areas are appropriate, and the staff are clear on their designated roles. Training is also required for supervisors, contractors, and staff who frequent the other areas of the site.