Identify people at risk

To identify those at risk in case of a fire, you must look at where your employees are working. Also, consider who else may be at risk, e.g. customers and visitors, and where they're likely to be found.

You must consider those who may be especially at risk, such as:

• Staff who work alone and/or in isolated areas, e.g. cleaners and security staff
• Anyone with disabilities, particularly if they have slow mobility (e.g. elderly customers)
• Anyone with language difficulties
• Anyone who is unfamiliar with the premises (such as new staff, contractors, agency employees and customers)
• Anyone in the premises' immediate surrounding area

In larger buildings used extensively by the public, you may need to get professional advice.

People with special needs

You must pay particular attention to employees who have special needs, such as those with a disability. During your assessment, you may want to discuss their individual needs with them.

Disabled people may react differently to a fire warning, especially if they have mobility issues. Therefore, you must also provide a safe means for them to exit if there is a fire. You must make other reasonable adjustments to ensure that they're not put at a disadvantage when compared to employees without disabilities.

Similarly, you should also consider others with special needs, such as young children and the elderly.