What Is a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)
What is a PEEP
A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan, or PEEP, is a bespoke escape plan for individuals who may have difficulty evacuating a building to a place of total safety without support or assistance from others. A place of total safety is ‘a place, away from the premises, in which people are at no immediate danger from the effects of a fire.’
The purpose of a PEEP is to ensure that ALL people can evacuate the building safely and promptly in the event of an emergency, regardless of their level of mobility or other impairments.
Who needs a PEEP?
A PEEP may be required for any individual (including visitors) who may have one or more of the following:
Mobility conditions
Sight conditions
Hearing conditions
Neurodiverse or mental health conditions
Other circumstances that may affect that person’s ability to evacuate (this could include people with underlying health conditions, people who are pregnant or those who have a short-term injury, such as a broken leg).
The important question that determines whether a PEEP is required is 'can you evacuate the building unaided in a reasonably prompt manner during an emergency situation?' If the answer is no, a PEEP is likely required.
Organisations should also consider contractors, customers and visitors who may require assistance, even if they are only on site temporarily.
A well-designed PEEP should enable a person to evacuate safely while maintaining their dignity, independence wherever possible and confidence during an emergency.
Legal Responsibilities
Employers also need to consider their responsibilities regarding the legal obligations of PEEPs, specifically the commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. There are two main pieces of legislation to be aware of when it comes to PEEPs:
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Although the order does not specifically mention PEEPs, it does require employers to make arrangements for the safe evacuation of people who may have difficulty escaping. Employers must carry out a fire risk assessment that considers the needs of employees who may have difficulty escaping in an emergency. Reasonable adjustments must be made to ensure their safe evacuation. This, therefore, may include the creation of PEEPs tailored to the specific needs of each individual who may have difficulty escaping.
The Equality Act 2010
The UK Equality Act 2010 requires employers to make reasonable adjustments to support employees who may have difficulty escaping in an emergency. Employers must proactively address employees’ needs, including creating PEEPs when necessary.
Read more about legal responsibilities in our article: Do You Legally Need an Evacuation Chair? UK Requirements Explained
Who is responsible?
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person is usually the employer, owner, landlord, managing agent or another person who has control of the premises. They are responsible for ensuring suitable fire safety arrangements are in place, including evacuation procedures for anyone who may need assistance.
How is a PEEP created?
A PEEP is created through a collaborative assessment between the individual needing assistance and building management. It documents the person's location, specific impairments, required evacuation methods (such as an evacuation chair or "buddy" system), and designated safe refuge areas.
A typical process may include the following steps:
Identify the Need: A "Responsible Person" identifies anyone who may struggle to evacuate unaided.
Conduct an Assessment: The assessor walks the building routes with the individual to map out their routine locations and evaluates their ability to navigate existing exits and stairs.
Determine Necessary Adjustments: The plan details the exact support required. This can include assigning specific evacuation assistants, installing visual/vibrating alarms for the hearing-impaired, or pinpointing protected refuge areas where assistance can be provided as detailed within the PEEP.
Draft and Agree: The resulting document is written up, clearly assigning roles, and is signed off by both the individual and management.
Review: The PEEP should be practised during fire drills and reviewed at least annually, or immediately should the person’s condition or the building layout changes.
You can download a PEEP template here.
Reviewing a PEEP
PEEPs should be reviewed regularly and at least annually. More frequent reviews will be required if a person’s condition changes. Where this results in a significant change to a PEEP, a fresh rehearsal should be carried out. Reviews should also be carried out if there is reason to believe that changes are required, for example, following a fire drill in which the PEEP arrangements are identified as inadequate.
Example of a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)
Scenario
Sarah works on the second floor of an office building and uses a wheelchair. During normal operation, she uses the passenger lift to access her office. In the event of a fire alarm, the lift cannot be used.
Sarah's PEEP states that she will make her way to the designated refuge area located next to the protected stairwell. Two trained colleagues, who have been assigned as evacuation assistants, will attend the refuge with an evacuation chair. After confirming the escape route is clear, they will assist Sarah down the stairs using the evacuation chair before exiting the building via the designated fire exit.
The plan also records:
Sarah's usual working location
The location of the nearest refuge area
The names of trained evacuation assistants
The evacuation equipment required
Alternative arrangements if one assistant is absent
How temporary changes, such as office relocations or maintenance work, will be managed
The review date and the date of the last practice exercise
Having this information documented and regularly practised helps ensure everyone involved understands their role before an emergency occurs.
Common PEEP mistakes
One of the biggest mistakes organisations make is assuming that having a fire evacuation procedure automatically meets the needs of everyone in the building. A generic evacuation plan is rarely suitable for individuals who require additional assistance.
Some of the most common PEEP mistakes include:
Waiting until an emergency occurs
A PEEP should always be developed in advance. Trying to decide how someone will be evacuated during a real emergency can lead to delays and unnecessary risk.
Assuming only wheelchair users need a PEEP
Many people who require assistance are not wheelchair users. Temporary injuries, pregnancy, visual impairments, hearing impairments, hidden disabilities and some medical conditions can all affect a person's ability to evacuate safely.
Failing to train staff
If a PEEP relies on colleagues using evacuation equipment such as an evacuation chair, they must receive appropriate training and have opportunities to practise their role.
Not reviewing the plan
A PEEP should be updated whenever there is a significant change to the individual's needs, the building layout, evacuation procedures or staffing arrangements. Regular reviews help ensure the plan remains effective.
Forgetting visitors and contractors
Businesses should consider how they will assist visitors, contractors and members of the public who may require support during an evacuation. A Generic Emergency Evacuation Plan (GEEP) may be appropriate where a personal plan cannot be prepared in advance.
Poor communication
A PEEP is only effective if everyone involved understands their responsibilities. The individual, designated assistants, managers and fire wardens should all be familiar with the arrangements while respecting the individual's privacy and dignity.
Keeping People Safe Through Effective Planning
A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan is more than a document; it is an important part of creating a safe and inclusive workplace. By identifying individuals who may need assistance, putting suitable arrangements in place and reviewing those arrangements regularly, businesses can help ensure everyone has the best possible chance of evacuating safely during an emergency.
If your organisation is reviewing its fire safety procedures or requires advice on PEEPs, evacuation chair training or emergency evacuation planning, our experienced team can help you develop practical solutions that protect your people and support your legal responsibilities.
