Where’s your assembly point?
In that event of an emergency, do your staff and members know where to meet once the building has been evacuated?
Legislation dictates emergency routes and exits must enable people to immediately proceed as directly as possible to a place of safety (called a ‘muster’ or ‘assembly’ point) – defined as a safe area beyond the premises (so that in order to escape further re-entry into the building is not required). All staff, members and visitors should be instructed to report to a previously determined muster point (or points) which should be far enough away to be safe from falling debris and out of the way of access for emergency services. Having good escape routes are only as good as the safety of the muster point!
Muster points should be big enough to accommodate the capacity of the building, suitable for those with disabilities, safe, clearly marked (with routes signposted if necessary) and communicated to all building users. This could be by signs/posters in the building, inductions, member handbooks, etc. Records should be kept to show communication and regular fire drills should also highlight the location, again with records being kept.
Is your muster point clearly signed and communicated?