When the fire alarm sounds, getting out is only half the job. People then need to gather somewhere safe so you can check everyone is accounted for. That place is your fire assembly point, and choosing it well makes a real difference to how smoothly an evacuation goes.
What makes a good assembly point
- A safe distance from the building. Far enough away to avoid heat, smoke, falling glass or debris.
- Away from traffic. Not in a car park lane, delivery yard or on a busy road where people could be hit by vehicles, including arriving fire appliances.
- Clear of fire service access. Do not gather people where fire engines need to park or set up.
- Big enough. It should hold everyone who might be in the building at its busiest, including visitors.
- Reachable safely. The route from the exits should not take people back past the building or through hazards.
- Accessible. Think about people with mobility difficulties, and whether the surface is suitable in wet or icy weather.
Signs and communication
Mark the assembly point with a clear sign. Tell staff, visitors and contractors where it is during induction. Our guide to fire safety induction for visitors and contractors covers what to say. Include the location in your evacuation plan and on fire action notices.
Do you need more than one?
Larger sites or buildings with exits on different sides may benefit from a second assembly point, so people are not forced to walk around the building. If you share a site, agree arrangements with neighbouring businesses so groups do not get mixed up.
Making roll calls work
- Nominate who takes the roll call or headcount, usually your fire wardens.
- Use a sign-in system or visitor book that can be brought out.
- Have a clear way to tell the fire service whether anyone is missing.
- Tell people not to leave the assembly point or go back inside until told it is safe.
Test it in a drill
A drill is the best way to find out whether your assembly point works in practice. Watch for crowding, people crossing roads, or anyone heading to their car. See our guide to running a fire evacuation drill.
Common mistakes
- The assembly point is right outside the main door.
- It is in the car park, where people walk among moving cars.
- Nobody knows where it is because the sign has faded or been removed.
- It has not been reviewed since the building or the site changed.
The legal side
Section 18(2) of the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 requires the person in control of premises to take all reasonable measures to ensure the safety of people if a fire breaks out. Section 19 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 requires employers to assess workplace risks. A well-chosen assembly point is part of that.
We can help
A fire risk assessment from Safer Solutions reviews your escape routes, evacuation plan and assembly arrangements together. Call 086 275 9728, email info@safersolutions.ie or send us a message.