PEEPs for Fire Safety Professionals

Technical guidance, advanced implementation strategies, and professional resources

Professional Guidance for Fire Safety Practitioners

As a fire safety professional, you play a critical role in ensuring that Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) are not merely compliance documents, but effective, practical safety measures that genuinely protect vulnerable individuals. This guidance provides technical insights, advanced implementation strategies, audit frameworks, and regulatory updates specifically for fire risk assessors, fire safety managers, fire engineers, and fire service personnel.

Why This Matters for Fire Safety Professionals

Professional responsibility: Competent persons have heightened duties to identify and address PEEP-related risks
Technical complexity: PEEPs require understanding of building design, human behaviour, evacuation dynamics, and accessibility
Regulatory enforcement: Fire and Rescue Authorities increasingly scrutinise PEEP provisions during inspections
Legal liability: Inadequate PEEP advice can expose professionals to negligence claims and regulatory sanctions
Life safety: Effective PEEPs can mean the difference between life and death in actual emergencies
Evolving standards: Guidance continues to develop following Grenfell, building safety reforms, and case law

Professional Competence Requirements:Under the Building Safety Act 2022 and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, fire risk assessors must be competent. This includes understanding how disabled people will evacuate and the legal framework for PEEPs. Third-party certification schemes (e.g., IFE, IFSM, FPA) now include PEEP competency in their assessor qualifications. Ensure your CPD includes accessibility and inclusive emergency planning.

Technical Framework for PEEP Assessment

The Five Pillars of Effective PEEP Provision

Professional PEEP implementation rests on five interconnected pillars. Each must be addressed for a comprehensive solution:

1. Detection & Alarm

Can all persons detect fire/alarm?
Visual Alarm Devices (VADs) to BS 5839-1:2017
Tactile/vibrating systems
Voice alarm intelligibility
Personal alerting technologies

2. Egress Routes

Suitable width (1050mm minimum, 1200mm preferred)
Suitable gradients (1:20 max for ramps)
Surface materials and slip resistance
Door opening forces (30N max for fire doors)
Way-finding and contrast

3. Progressive Evacuation

Compartmentation strategy
Horizontal vs vertical evacuation
Simultaneous vs phased evacuation
Stay-put considerations
Timed evacuation modelling

4. Refuge Provision

Refuge design to BS 9999/ADB standards
Communication systems
Size and capacity calculations
Fire resistance requirements
Alternative protected routes

5. Management & Training

Competent persons identified
Staff training programmes
PEEP documentation systems
Fire drill protocols
Audit and review cycles

Risk-Based PEEP Assessment Methodology

Apply systematic risk assessment to PEEP provision, considering both probability and consequence:

Step 1: Population Analysis

Identify all building users: employees, visitors, residents, patients, students
Assess predictable vulnerabilities: workplace demographics, care home residents, hospital patients
Consider unpredictable vulnerabilities: visitors, temporary conditions, time-varying needs
Document maximum occupancy and dependency levels

Step 2: Building Capability Assessment

Means of escape adequacy: travel distances, route widths, surface conditions
Vertical circulation: stair design, lift provision, evacuation lift suitability
Compartmentation: effectiveness of fire separation, protected lobbies, fire doors
Detection and alarm: coverage, audibility, visibility, voice clarity
Wayfinding: signage adequacy, visual contrast, tactile information

Step 3: Gap Analysis

Identify where building capability does not meet population needs:

Detection gaps: deaf occupants cannot hear alarms; blind occupants need voice alarms with clear instructions
Egress gaps: wheelchair users cannot navigate narrow doors or stairs
Communication gaps: cognitive impairments prevent understanding of alarm meaning
Physical gaps: mobility impairments prevent timely independent evacuation
Staffing gaps: insufficient personnel to assist all who need help

Step 4: Control Measures Hierarchy

Apply the hierarchy of controls to address identified gaps:

Eliminate: Remove the need for vulnerable persons to access high-risk areas
Substitute: Provide alternative ground-floor facilities avoiding stairs
Engineering controls: Install refuges, VADs, evacuation lifts, improved compartmentation
Administrative controls: Develop PEEPs, train staff, establish buddy systems, conduct drills
PPE/equipment: Provide evacuation chairs, evacuation sheets, communication devices

Step 5: Residual Risk Evaluation

After controls implemented, evaluate remaining risk:

Time-based analysis: can all persons evacuate before conditions become untenable?
Reliability analysis: what happens if key controls fail (equipment unavailable, buddies absent)?
Scenario testing: test plans through drills and desktop exercises
Acceptance criteria: is residual risk ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable)?

Engineering Judgement:PEEP provision often requires professional judgement where prescriptive guidance is silent. Document your reasoning clearly: what factors did you consider? What alternatives did you evaluate? Why did you select your recommended approach? This defensible decision-making process is crucial if your recommendations are later challenged.

Advanced Implementation Strategies

Refuge Area Design and Implementation

Refuges are often critical for PEEP provision in multi-storey buildings. Professional design requires consideration beyond basic code compliance:

Refuge Location and Configuration

Positioning: Adjacent to protected stairways; accessible from occupancy without entering protected route
Size calculations: Minimum 900mm x 1400mm per wheelchair user; allow for multiple simultaneous users
Clear floor space: Unobstructed by building services, fire-fighting equipment, or furniture
Identification: Clear signage using standardised symbols; emergency lighting; tactile indicators
Protection level: Minimum 30 minutes fire resistance; 60 minutes preferred in complex buildings

Communication Systems

Two-way voice communication: To fire control point or manned location
Visual indication: At control point showing which refuge is activated
Hearing augmentation: Induction loops for hearing aid users
Testing regime: Weekly functional tests; annual full system testing
Backup power: Battery backup or emergency generator supply

Operational Considerations

Temporary use only: Refuges are not final destinations; occupants must be evacuated by Fire Service or via alternative route
Management plans: Who checks refuges during evacuation? Who communicates with occupants? How are Fire Service informed?
Capacity management: What if refuge capacity exceeded? Alternative refuge locations pre-identified
Psychological factors: Occupants may feel abandoned; communication critical to prevent panic

Refuge Limitations:Refuges are not suitable for all scenarios. They should not be relied upon for: buildings with limited fire service intervention capability, buildings with single staircase only, occupants with life-critical equipment dependencies, occupants who cannot communicate their presence effectively, or buildings with extended evacuation times (e.g., remote locations). In these cases, alternative strategies such as evacuation lifts or enhanced horizontal evacuation must be considered.

Evacuation Lift Provision

Evacuation lifts (firefighting lifts used for evacuation) represent a significant advance in inclusive emergency egress:

Design Standards

BS EN 81-72:2015: Firefighting lifts suitable for evacuation
BS 9999:2017: Guidance on evacuation lift provision and operation
Protected lobbies: Fire-resisting enclosure with minimum 30 minutes protection
Independent power: Supplied from separate source; continues operating during fire
Priority control: Dedicated switch for evacuation use; overrides normal call system
Communication: Two-way voice link to control point

Operational Protocols

Activation criteria: Clear protocols for when evacuation lift used
Trained operators: Staff trained in evacuation lift operation
Priority system: Order of evacuation (most vulnerable first, or nearest floor first?)
Capacity management: How many trips needed? Time calculations
Fire Service handover: Coordination with arriving firefighters

Risk Considerations

Power failure: What if lift fails mid-evacuation? Backup plans essential
Single point of failure: Should not be sole means of evacuation for vulnerable persons
User confidence: Occupants may resist using lifts during fire; training and drills critical
Maintenance critical: Regular testing; immediate repair of faults

Stay-Put vs Simultaneous Evacuation Strategies

Post-Grenfell, the appropriateness of stay-put strategies has come under intense scrutiny. Professional assessment is essential:

When Stay-Put May Be Appropriate

Purpose-built flats: Robust compartmentation; 60-minute fire resistance minimum
Care homes with small units: Well-managed progressive horizontal evacuation
High-quality construction: Proven performance; regular maintenance; no significant defects
Vulnerable population: Where evacuation causes greater risk than remaining
Staff availability: Sufficient trained staff to manage progressive evacuation if needed

When Simultaneous Evacuation Required

Compromised compartmentation: Known defects; untested fire-stopping; ACM cladding concerns
Common internal areas: Open-plan layouts; atrium designs; shared circulation spaces
Mixed uses: Residential above commercial with penetrations between
High-risk activities: Sleeping risk or vulnerable occupants unable to respond to localised alarm
Proven evacuation capability: Building and staffing can support full simultaneous evacuation

Assessment Framework

Use these criteria to determine appropriate strategy:

Compartmentation integrity: Visual inspection; smoke tests; thermographic survey
Fire resistance testing: Evidence of tested assemblies; certification trail
Fire door condition: Intumescent strips intact; closers functional; gaps within tolerance
Service penetrations: Fire-stopped to required standard; accessible for inspection
Management capability: Staffing levels; training competence; incident command structure
Evacuation time modelling: Can full evacuation complete before untenable conditions?

Post-Grenfell Legislative Changes:Fire Safety Act 2021 and Building Safety Act 2022 significantly changed regulatory requirements for multi-occupied residential buildings. Stay-put strategies now require robust justification and regular reassessment. Responsible Persons must provide evacuation plans to Fire and Rescue Services. External wall systems must be assessed for fire safety. Ensure your PEEP recommendations align with these statutory requirements.

Evacuation Modelling and Time Analysis

Professional PEEP assessment increasingly requires quantitative evacuation analysis:

Key Evacuation Time Components

Detection time (t_det): Time from ignition to alarm activation
Notification time (t_not): Time for alarm to reach all occupants (consider deaf occupants needing personal notification)
Pre-movement time (t_pre): Time occupants take to respond (typically 1-3 minutes; longer for vulnerable groups)
Travel time (t_trav): Time to reach place of safety (consider reduced mobility speeds)
Assistance time (t_assist): Additional time for buddy systems, equipment retrieval, physical assistance

Required Safe Egress Time (RSET)

RSET = t_det + t_not + t_pre + t_trav + t_assist

Available Safe Egress Time (ASET)

ASET = Time until untenable conditions (smoke, heat, toxicity) develop on escape routes

Safety Margin

ASET must exceed RSET with adequate safety margin (typically ASET ≥ 1.5 × RSET)

PEEP-Specific Modelling Considerations

Reduced movement speeds: 0.3-0.5 m/s for wheelchair users (vs 1.2 m/s average)
Doorway delays: Additional time for wheelchair manoeuvring through doors
Stair descent: Evacuation chair use significantly slower than ambulant descent
Congestion points: Wheelchair users may block routes temporarily
Equipment retrieval: Time to locate and deploy evacuation equipment
Communication delays: Additional notification time for deaf occupants

Software Tools:Commercial evacuation modelling software (EXODUS, buildingEXODUS, Pathfinder, Simulex) can model PEEPs by adjusting occupant characteristics. However, these tools require expert use and validation. Always supplement computational analysis with professional judgement and real-world testing through fire drills.

Enhanced Detection and Alarm Systems

Visual Alarm Devices (VADs)

Technical requirements per BS 5839-1:2017:

Coverage: VADs required in all areas where deaf persons may be present
Flash rate: 0.5-2 Hz (flashes per second)
Light output: Minimum 0.4 cd/m² over entire coverage area
Mounting height: 2.4m above floor level (typical)
Wall-mounted spacing: Maximum 10m between VADs in corridors
Synchronisation: All VADs in visible range must flash synchronously
Categories: C-3 (open areas), W-2.4 and W-3 (corridors), S-10 (sanitary accommodation)

Voice Alarm Systems

Speech intelligibility: STI ≥ 0.5 (preferably ≥ 0.65) measured per BS 5839-8
Message content: Clear, unambiguous instructions; avoid euphemisms
Cognitive accessibility: Simple language; repeated messages; stepped escalation
Background noise: Minimum 10 dB above ambient noise level
Multiple languages: Consider multilingual capability for diverse populations

Personal Alert Systems

Vibrating pagers: Radio-activated devices worn by deaf occupants
Text alerts: SMS messages triggered by fire alarm system
Smartphone apps: Push notifications via building-specific apps
Bed-shaker alarms: For sleeping accommodation (care homes, hotels, residential)
Reliability considerations: Battery life; signal coverage; network dependency

Assistive Evacuation Equipment Standards

Evacuation Chairs

Standards: No specific British Standard; assess per manufacturer specifications
Weight capacity: Typical 150-180 kg; bariatric models 250-300 kg
Stair compatibility: Suitable for building’s specific stair configuration
Operator requirements: Typically 1-2 operators; training essential
Storage: Rapid-access location adjacent to stairs; clear signage
Maintenance: 6-monthly inspection; annual service; immediate repair of faults

Evacuation Sheets and Sleds

Use case: Horizontal evacuation of bed-bound patients
Fire resistance: Materials must withstand radiant heat exposure
Handle design: Ergonomic grips; adequate number for multiple handlers
Surface compatibility: Suitable for carpet, vinyl, concrete surfaces
Cleaning: Single-use or washable per infection control requirements

Specialist Equipment

Bariatric evacuation equipment: Weight capacity >250 kg; additional operators required
Paediatric equipment: Infant carriers; child evacuation sheets
Stretcher systems: For medical facility evacuations
Rescue platforms: For extreme mobility limitations

Regulatory Framework and Recent Developments

Current Legislative Landscape

Legislation	PEEP-Relevant Provisions	Enforcement Authority
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005	Articles 8-9: Fire risk assessment must consider how disabled persons will be warned and evacuate; Article 11: Means of escape suitable for all persons; Article 15: Routes and exits maintained	Fire and Rescue Authorities
Equality Act 2010	Section 20: Duty to make reasonable adjustments including auxiliary aids and removing physical barriers; Section 29: Services and public functions duty	Equality and Human Rights Commission; Employment Tribunals; County Courts
Fire Safety Act 2021	Extends FSO to external walls and flat entrance doors; Requires evacuation plans for multi-occupied residential buildings; Responsible Person must share info with FRS	Fire and Rescue Authorities
Building Safety Act 2022	Accountable Persons for higher-risk residential buildings; Safety case regime including evacuation strategies; Residents’ engagement on safety; Mandatory occurrence reporting	Building Safety Regulator (HSE)
Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022	Regulation 3: Floor plans to FRS; Regulation 4: Lifts and evacuation equipment info; Regulation 5: Guidance on evacuation for external wall risks; Regulation 6: Information to residents	Fire and Rescue Authorities
Building Regulations 2010 (as amended)	Approved Document B: Fire safety design standards; Approved Document M: Access to and use of buildings including means of escape	Building Control Bodies; Building Safety Regulator (HRBs)

Key Regulatory Guidance Documents

Government Publications

PAS 79-2:2020: Fire risk assessment – Premises other than housing
PAS 79-1:2020: Fire risk assessment – Housing
Fire Safety in Purpose Built Blocks of Flats (2020): MHCLG guidance post-Grenfell
Guide to making your premises safe from fire (2022): Updated government guide incorporating recent legislation

British Standards

BS 9999:2017: Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings
BS 9991:2015: Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings (Code of practice)
BS 5839-1:2017: Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings (covering VADs)
BS 8629:2019+A1:2021: Evacuation of disabled people using lifts (Code of practice)

Professional Body Guidance

Institution of Fire Engineers: Technical guidance notes on inclusive emergency egress
Fire Protection Association: Technical bulletins on PEEP provision
Chief Fire Officers’ Association: Operational guidance for FRS on PEEP-related incidents

Recent Enforcement Trends

Analysis of Fire and Rescue Authority enforcement actions 2020-2024 shows increasing focus on PEEP provision:

Common Enforcement Issues

Inadequate fire risk assessment: FRAs failing to identify or address disabled occupants’ needs (46% of enforcement notices)
Lack of refuge communication: Refuges without functional two-way communication systems (23%)
No visual alarm devices: Buildings with deaf occupants lacking VADs (19%)
Insufficient staff training: Staff unaware of PEEP procedures or equipment use (31%)
Missing evacuation equipment: Evacuation chairs specified but not provided or maintained (27%)
Inadequate care home PEEPs: Generic plans rather than person-centred assessments (38% of care sector enforcement)

Case Studies from Enforcement Actions

Case Study 1: Care Home Prosecution (2023)Premises: 40-bed nursing home, three storeys Issue: No PEEPs for 12 bed-bound residents; no evacuation equipment; staff untrained; FRA generic with no individual assessment Outcome: Prohibition Notice (upper floors closed); prosecution; £80,000 fine plus costs; director disqualified from care home management Learning: Generic risk assessments insufficient for vulnerable populations; enforcement now emphasizes individual assessment

Case Study 2: Office Building Enforcement Notice (2024)Premises: Five-storey office building, 200 occupants Issue: Three wheelchair users on upper floors; no evacuation chairs; no refuges; narrow stairs; deaf employee with no VAD provision Outcome: Enforcement Notice requiring: evacuation chairs on each floor; VAD installation; refuge creation or workspace relocation; staff training; within 90 days Learning: Reasonable adjustments not optional; building design limitations don’t excuse non-compliance; multi-faceted solutions often needed

Emerging Issues and Future Directions

Building Safety Regulator Impact

Higher-risk buildings (HRBs): Enhanced scrutiny of evacuation strategies including PEEPs
Safety cases: Accountable Persons must demonstrate robust PEEP systems
Mandatory occurrence reporting: PEEP failures during evacuations reportable to BSR
Resident engagement: Residents’ voices in safety decisions including personal evacuation needs
Competency framework: Clearer standards for those assessing PEEP requirements

Technology Evolution

Smart building integration: PEEP data integrated with building management systems
Real-time location: RFID/Bluetooth tracking of PEEP individuals during evacuation
AI evacuation management: Algorithms optimizing evacuation routes based on live occupancy
Digital PEEPs: Smartphone apps replacing paper documents
Augmented reality wayfinding: AR guidance for visually impaired occupants

Anticipated Regulatory Changes

Approved Document B review: Expected enhanced guidance on accessible means of escape
PAS 79 updates: Likely more detailed PEEP assessment methodology
Mandatory PEEP registers: Potential requirement for central PEEP documentation in certain building types
Evacuation lift standards: Possible mandatory provision in new high-rise developments
Auditor competency: Potential third-party certification requirement for PEEP assessors

Professional Audit Framework

Comprehensive PEEP Audit Template

Use this framework for thorough PEEP system audits. Scoring: 0 = Non-compliant, 1 = Partially compliant, 2 = Fully compliant, N/A = Not applicable

Section 1: Fire Risk Assessment

FRA PEEP Provisions Assessment

FRA explicitly identifies all persons who may require PEEPs (employees, residents, visitors)

FRA assesses how disabled persons will be warned of fire (alarm audibility, visibility, alternative alerting)

FRA evaluates suitability of means of escape for disabled persons

FRA considers need for refuges, evacuation lifts, or alternative measures

FRA identifies need for visual alarm devices (VADs)

FRA specifies evacuation equipment requirements

FRA assesses adequacy of staffing for assisted evacuation

FRA references Equality Act reasonable adjustments duty

FRA provides clear action plan for PEEP implementation

FRA reviewed within 12 months or after significant changes

FRA assessor competent in accessibility and PEEP requirements

Section 2: Detection and Alarm Systems

Alarm Accessibility Assessment

Fire alarm system complies with BS 5839-1:2017

Alarm audibility tested in all areas (minimum 65 dB(A) or 5 dB above ambient)

Visual Alarm Devices (VADs) installed where deaf persons may be present

VADs meet BS 5839-1:2017 specifications (flash rate, light output, spacing)

VADs installed in toilets, meeting rooms, quiet areas, sleeping accommodation

All VADs in visible range flash synchronously

Voice alarm system (if fitted) provides clear, intelligible instructions

Speech intelligibility (STI) tested and meets ≥0.5 standard

Personal alert devices (pagers, vibrators) provided where needed

Alarm system maintenance includes VAD and accessibility features

Alarm testing procedures verify all accessibility features functional

Section 3: Means of Escape

Egress Route Accessibility

Escape route widths adequate for wheelchair users (minimum 1050mm clear width)

Door opening widths adequate (minimum 850mm clear width for wheelchairs)

Door opening forces within limits (maximum 30N for fire doors on escape routes)

Threshold heights suitable (maximum 15mm exposed; ramped if greater)

Floor surfaces suitable (slip-resistant; firm; no trip hazards)

Route gradients suitable (ramps maximum 1:20; handrails provided)

Signage visible and comprehensible (pictorial; contrast markings; tactile where needed)

Emergency lighting adequate (minimum 1 lux on escape routes)

Escape routes kept clear of obstructions at all times

Final exit doors accessible to all (no steps; powered operation if needed)

Assembly points accessible to wheelchair users (firm surface; no kerbs)

Section 4: Refuges

Refuge Provision and Functionality

Refuges provided on upper floors where required

Refuge locations comply with BS 9999 or Approved Document B

Refuge size adequate (minimum 900mm x 1400mm per wheelchair)

Clear floor space unobstructed by services or equipment

Refuge protection adequate (minimum 30-minute fire resistance)

Two-way communication system installed and functional

Communication system connects to manned control point

Visual indication at control point shows which refuge activated

Communication system tested weekly; full service annually

Refuge signage clear and visible (standardized symbols used)

Emergency lighting provided within refuge areas

Management procedures for refuge use documented and communicated

Section 5: Evacuation Equipment

Equipment Provision and Maintenance

Evacuation equipment needs assessment completed

Adequate number of evacuation chairs for building population

Evacuation chairs suitable for building’s stair configuration

Evacuation chairs stored in accessible locations adjacent to stairs

Clear signage indicating evacuation equipment locations

Evacuation equipment weight capacity adequate for users

Bariatric equipment provided where needed

Equipment inspection schedule in place (minimum 6-monthly)

Equipment maintenance records up-to-date and complete

Defective equipment immediately repaired or replaced

Evacuation sheets/sleds provided for horizontal evacuation where needed

All equipment subject to post-use inspection and cleaning

Section 6: Individual PEEPs

PEEP Documentation Quality

All persons requiring PEEPs have been identified

Individual PEEP documents completed for each identified person

PEEPs created in consultation with the individual

PEEPs person-centred (not generic or template-only)

PEEPs specify exact assistance required

PEEPs identify designated buddies/assistants (minimum two per person)

PEEPs specify evacuation equipment to be used

PEEPs cover all locations individual regularly occupies

PEEPs include primary and alternative evacuation routes

PEEPs signed by individual and responsible person

Central PEEP register maintained and current

PEEPs reviewed at least annually

PEEPs reviewed after any incident or change in circumstances

PEEP information shared with relevant persons (with consent)

PEEP data stored securely and GDPR-compliant

Section 7: Training and Competency

Staff Training Assessment

All staff receive fire safety induction training

Fire safety training includes PEEP awareness

Fire wardens/marshals receive enhanced PEEP training

Designated buddies receive role-specific training

Staff trained in evacuation equipment use (practical demonstration)

Competency assessments conducted for equipment users

Training records maintained for all staff

Annual refresher training provided

Training updated to reflect PEEP/procedure changes

Training effectiveness evaluated through drills and feedback

Managers/supervisors competent to conduct PEEP assessments

Section 8: Fire Drills and Testing

Drill Planning and Execution

Fire drills conducted at required frequency (minimum annually per area)

Drills include testing of PEEP procedures

Employees with PEEPs participate in drills (with consent)

Evacuation equipment deployed and tested during drills

Buddy systems tested during drills

Refuge communication systems tested during drills

Drills conducted at various times (day, night, weekend where applicable)

Drill scenarios vary to test different situations

Evacuation times recorded and analyzed

Post-drill debrief conducted with all participants

Lessons learned documented

Action plans created to address identified issues

Actions tracked to completion

Drill documentation complete and retained

Section 9: Management and Governance

Organizational Systems

Written PEEP policy in place

Policy approved by senior management/board

Clear roles and responsibilities assigned

Designated PEEP coordinator or responsible person

PEEP provision integrated into fire safety management plan

Regular management review of PEEP systems

PEEP performance metrics tracked

Incident/near-miss reporting system includes PEEP issues

Root cause analysis conducted for PEEP failures

Continuous improvement process in place

Adequate budget allocated for PEEP equipment and training

Fire and Rescue Service liaison on PEEP matters

Section 10: Specific Building Type Considerations

For Workplaces:

Occupational health involvement in PEEP assessments

Reasonable adjustments aligned with Equality Act duties

Lone working risks assessed for employees with PEEPs

For Healthcare:

Patient PEEPs updated within 4 hours of admission

Adequate staffing ratios for assisted evacuation 24/7

Clinical equipment continuity addressed in PEEPs

For Residential:

Evacuation strategy appropriate (stay-put or simultaneous)

Residents informed of PEEP provisions and their role

Building Safety Act duties met (if HRB)

For Educational:

Student PEEPs age-appropriate and involve parents where needed

PEEPs cover all campus locations including sports/lab facilities

Ofsted/quality assurance expectations met

Audit Scoring and Interpretation

Scoring System

0 points: Non-compliant – Control not in place or ineffective
1 point: Partially compliant – Control exists but has significant gaps
2 points: Fully compliant – Control in place and effective
N/A: Not applicable to this premises (exclude from scoring)

Overall Compliance Rating

Calculate percentage: (Total points scored ÷ Total possible points) × 100

90-100%: Excellent – Minor improvements only
75-89%: Good – Some areas need attention
60-74%: Adequate – Significant improvements required
Below 60%: Poor – Major compliance gaps; urgent action needed

Critical Failures

Any score of 0 in these areas constitutes a critical failure requiring immediate action:

Persons requiring PEEPs identified but no individual plans in place
Required evacuation equipment not provided
Refuge communication systems non-functional
No VADs where deaf occupants present
Staff untrained in PEEP assistance
PEEPs never tested in fire drills

Audit Frequency:Conduct comprehensive PEEP audits annually as minimum. Higher-risk premises (hospitals, care homes, HRBs) should audit 6-monthly. Always audit after: major building works, change in occupancy type, enforcement action, serious fire/evacuation incident, or significant change in vulnerable population.

Best Practice Case Studies

Case Study 1: Multi-Storey Office Building

Premises Details

Type: Commercial office building, 8 storeys, 500 occupants
Construction: 1990s build, concrete frame, two enclosed stairwells
Challenge: Three wheelchair users on floors 3, 5, and 7; two deaf employees; one employee with mobility impairment

Initial Assessment

Fire risk assessment identified significant gaps:

No evacuation chairs available
No refuges on upper floors
No visual alarm devices
Generic evacuation procedures not addressing individual needs
Stairs 1100mm wide (just adequate but tight for two-person evacuation chair use)

Solutions Implemented

Evacuation Equipment: Four evacuation chairs procured (two per stairwell, strategically located on floors 4 and 7)
Visual Alarms: VADs installed throughout building to BS 5839-1:2017 (38 devices total)
Workspace Optimization: Employee on floor 7 offered ground floor workspace; accepted due to convenience
Individual PEEPs: Detailed PEEPs created for remaining wheelchair users on floors 3 and 5
Buddy System: Two trained buddies assigned per PEEP individual
Training Programme: 12 staff trained as evacuation chair operators; all staff received PEEP awareness training
Fire Drills: Quarterly drills including PEEP testing; evacuation time from floor 5: 11 minutes (acceptable)

Outcomes

Full regulatory compliance achieved
Employees with PEEPs confident in arrangements
Successful evacuation completed within available safe egress time
Total cost: £18,000 (equipment, training, VAD installation)
Annual maintenance cost: £1,200

Lessons Learned

Workspace relocation often most practical solution for upper floors
Multiple trained operators essential (absence cover, confidence building)
Quarterly drill frequency valuable for maintaining competency
Early engagement with occupational health improved PEEP quality

Case Study 2: Residential Care Home

Premises Details

Type: Nursing home, three storeys, 45 residents (35 with significant mobility impairment)
Construction: Purpose-built 2005, robust compartmentation, four-hour fire resistance between units
Challenge: High proportion of residents unable to evacuate independently; night staffing levels low (1 nurse, 2 carers)

Evacuation Strategy Development

Fire engineer and care manager collaboration led to progressive horizontal evacuation strategy:

Compartmentation verification: Intrusive survey confirmed fire-stopping integrity
Horizontal evacuation principle: Move residents to adjacent fire compartment, not out of building
Rationale: Full building evacuation of 35 dependent residents with 3 night staff physically impossible within available time; horizontal evacuation achievable

Solutions Implemented

Individual PEEPs: Person-centred PEEP for all 45 residents; updated at least monthly and after any change
Evacuation Equipment: 15 evacuation sheets (three per compartment); 10 wheelchairs; evacuation chairs not suitable for dependent residents
Enhanced Detection: L1 (maximum) fire detection system with early warning
Compartmentation Maintenance: Quarterly fire door inspections; annual compartmentation surveys
Staff Training: All care staff trained in evacuation sheet use; night staff receive enhanced training; monthly practice sessions
Staffing Contingency: On-call manager lives 5 minutes away; agreement with neighboring care home for mutual aid
Fire Service Liaison: Pre-planning visit by local FRS; procedures shared; annual joint exercise

Outcomes

Realistic evacuation strategy matching operational capability
Drill results: 12 residents evacuated horizontally in 8 minutes with 3 staff (acceptable)
CQC inspection rated fire safety as “Good”
No enforcement action; Fire Service supportive of approach
Residents and families reassured by tested procedures

Critical Success Factors

Fire engineer’s compartmentation assessment provided confidence in horizontal strategy
Regular testing demonstrated plan viability
Strong management commitment to fire safety culture
Proactive FRS engagement avoided misunderstandings
Person-centred PEEPs respected individual needs and dignity

Case Study 3: University Campus

Premises Details

Type: University with 20 buildings across 50-acre campus; 15,000 students; 3,000 staff
Challenge: Diverse population; students with disabilities in various locations; fluctuating occupancy patterns

Systemic Approach

University implemented campus-wide PEEP management system:

Solutions Implemented

Centralized PEEP Service: Disability Services office coordinates all PEEPs; single point of contact
Digital PEEP System: Custom database integrated with timetabling; automatically alerts building managers when PEEP individual scheduled in their building
Building Audits: All 20 buildings assessed for accessibility; improvements prioritized based on usage patterns
Equipment Distribution: Strategic placement of evacuation equipment based on historical PEEP data; 12 evacuation chairs campus-wide
Student-Led PEEPs: Students create own PEEPs with support; portable “PEEP card” format for carrying
Fire Warden Training: 150 trained fire wardens across campus; annual refresher includes PEEP scenarios
Technology Solution: Emergency notification app with push alerts to mobile devices (addresses deaf students)
Accommodation: Students with significant mobility impairments offered ground-floor accommodation where possible

Outcomes

93% of students requiring PEEPs have documented plans
Average time from identification to PEEP completion: 5 working days
Annual fire drill participation includes average 12 students with PEEPs
No serious incidents in five years
System recognized as sector-leading practice

Innovations

QR codes on PEEP cards link to building-specific evacuation information
Annual “PEEP Review Week” where all students encouraged to review/update
Peer buddy scheme where students with PEEPs support each other
Virtual reality fire drill training for students with anxiety about evacuations

Scalability Lessons

Digital systems essential for large, complex organizations
Automation reduces administrative burden and improves compliance
Student engagement improved by giving them ownership of process
Technology supplements but doesn’t replace human support and training

Transferable Principles from Case Studies:All three case studies demonstrate: (1) Solutions must match operational reality, not aspirational ideals; (2) Individual assessment beats generic templates; (3) Regular testing reveals what works and what doesn’t; (4) Staff/occupant confidence critical to success; (5) Multi-faceted solutions (equipment + training + procedures) most effective; (6) Investment in PEEPs proportionate to risk is always justifiable.

Expert Resources and Professional Development

Professional Bodies and Associations

Organization	PEEP-Relevant Resources	Membership Benefits
Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE)	Technical guidance notes; webinars; journal articles; regional meetings discussing PEEP issues	Professional development; networking; technical library access; chartered status pathway
Fire Industry Association (FIA)	Equipment standards; installer competency schemes; training courses; technical bulletins	Third-party certification schemes; training provider approval; industry updates
Fire Protection Association (FPA)	Technical guidance documents; risk assessment tools; best practice publications; research reports	Information service; standards library; training courses; publications
Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM)	Fire safety management guides; legal updates; case law analysis; practical management tools	Professional recognition; CPD framework; mentoring; management resources
National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)	Operational guidance; multi-agency procedures; fire service expectations; best practice sharing	FRS collaboration; policy influence; national consistency; emergency planning coordination

Key Technical Publications

Essential Reading

BS 9999:2017: Foundation document for fire safety design including accessible means of escape (£360 from BSI)
BS 9991:2015: Residential building fire safety including PEEP considerations (£246 from BSI)
PAS 79-1 and PAS 79-2: Fire risk assessment standards with PEEP guidance (£100 each from BSI)
Fire Safety in Purpose Built Blocks of Flats (2020): Government guidance post-Grenfell (free download from GOV.UK)
BS 8629:2019+A1:2021: Evacuation of disabled people using lifts (£246 from BSI)
Approved Document B (Fire Safety): Building Regulations guidance (free download from GOV.UK)
Approved Document M (Access): Accessibility requirements including means of escape (free download from GOV.UK)

Specialist Publications

“Means of Escape for Disabled People” (2020 edition): FPA comprehensive guide (£150)
“Accessible Evacuation Solutions for Everyone”: Centre for Accessible Environments practical guidance
“BS 5588 Fire Precautions in the Design” (historical): Superseded but useful for existing building assessment
SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering: Academic reference including human behavior in fire (£250)

Training and Qualifications

Fire Risk Assessment Qualifications

Level 3 Certificate in Fire Science and Fire Safety: Foundation qualification covering PEEP principles
Level 4 Certificate in Fire Science, Fire Safety and Fire Engineering: Advanced qualification with PEEP assessment competency
IFE Diploma in Fire Engineering: Professional-level qualification including accessibility
Fire Risk Assessment Competency Framework: Third-party certification (FPA, BAFE, Warrington Certified) includes PEEP assessment

Specialist PEEP Training

“Inclusive Emergency Egress Design” courses: Offered by Centre for Accessible Environments, IFE regional branches
“PEEP Assessment and Implementation” workshops: Various providers including fire engineering consultancies
“Evacuation Equipment Operation” practical training: Manufacturer-provided or specialist training companies
“Accessibility and Fire Safety” CPD seminars: Regular events by IFE, FIA, FPA

Continuing Professional Development

Annual CPD requirement: Most professional bodies require 30-40 hours annually
PEEP-relevant CPD: Attend at least one PEEP/accessibility-focused event annually
Technical updates: Follow regulatory changes, case law, enforcement trends
Practical experience: Conduct PEEP audits; attend fire drills including PEEP testing
Knowledge sharing: Present case studies at professional meetings; publish articles

Research and Evidence Base

Key Research Studies

University of Ulster research on evacuation behavior: Human factors in emergency egress including vulnerable groups
BRE research on compartmentation performance: Evidence base for stay-put vs evacuation strategies
NFPA research on evacuation times: Data on movement speeds, pre-movement times for various populations
Loughborough University accessibility research: Studies on inclusive design and emergency egress

Useful Databases and Tools

HSE Research Reports: Free access to health and safety research including fire safety
Fire Safety Engineering journals: Peer-reviewed articles on evacuation modeling and accessibility
NFPA technical resources: International perspective on PEEP-related issues
Evacuation modeling software: Tools for quantitative analysis (requires training)

Consultancy and Expert Support

When to Engage Specialists

Complex buildings: Atypical layouts, high-rise, large populations
High-risk occupancies: Hospitals, care homes, custodial settings
Enforcement disputes: When disagreement with Fire and Rescue Authority
Major refurbishment: Significant building alterations affecting evacuation
New construction: Design stage input to ensure PEEP provision built-in
Expert witness: Legal cases requiring professional opinion

Selecting Consultants

Professional registration: IFE membership, chartered status (CEng, CEnv)
Professional indemnity insurance: Minimum £5-10 million cover
Relevant experience: Demonstrable PEEP project experience in similar building types
Third-party accreditation: FPA registered, BAFE certified, Warrington Certified assessor
References: Check previous client satisfaction
Clear scope: Written proposal defining deliverables, timescales, fees

Online Resources and Communities

Professional Forums and Networks

IFE online community: Discussion forums for technical queries
LinkedIn groups: “Fire Safety Professionals UK” and similar groups share PEEP experiences
IFSM members’ area: Case studies, templates, practical tools
Fire Safety UK forum: Peer support for fire safety practitioners

Government Resources

GOV.UK fire safety guidance: Latest government publications and updates
HSE website: Health and safety law, enforcement notices, research
Building Safety Regulator: Guidance for higher-risk buildings
Home Office Fire Statistics: Annual data on fire incidents, casualties

Manufacturer Resources

Evacuation chair manufacturers: Technical specifications, training videos, installation guides
Fire alarm system manufacturers: VAD design guides, compliance documentation
Fire door manufacturers: Technical literature on accessibility and fire resistance

Professional PEEP Resources

Access our comprehensive toolkit for fire safety professionals including detailed audit templates, case study library, and regulatory updates. Download the complete Fire Safety Professional’s PEEP Implementation Guide. Access Professional Resources

Quick Reference for Fire Safety Professionals

PEEP Assessment Decision Tree

Population identification: Who are the building users? Any predictable vulnerabilities?
Building capability: Can existing means of escape accommodate all users?
If NO → Gap analysis: What specific barriers exist?
Control hierarchy: Apply elimination → substitution → engineering → administrative → equipment
Residual risk: After controls, is risk ALARP?
If NO → Escalate: Document limitations; engage specialists; consider alternative accommodation
If YES → Document and test: Create individual PEEPs; train staff; conduct drills; review regularly

Red Flags Requiring Immediate Action

Critical PEEP Failures:Any of these findings requires immediate intervention: (1) Vulnerable persons identified but no PEEPs in place; (2) Refuges lacking functional communication systems; (3) Required evacuation equipment not provided or defective; (4) No VADs where deaf occupants present; (5) Staff completely untrained in PEEP procedures; (6) PEEPs never tested in fire drills; (7) Evacuation time modeling shows RSET > ASET; (8) Stay-put strategy with compromised compartmentation. Issue immediate recommendations; follow up within 7 days; consider enforcement liaison.

Professional Standards Summary

Competency: Ensure you have appropriate training and experience for PEEP assessment
Documentation: Record your reasoning; decisions must be defensible if challenged
Collaboration: Engage with employers, occupational health, access consultants, Fire Service
Proportionality: Recommendations must be proportionate to risk and reasonably practicable
Testing: PEEPs are hypothetical until tested; insist on drill verification
Review: Reassess when circumstances change; minimum annual review
Professional development: Maintain CPD in accessibility and PEEP issues
Ethics: Never compromise on safety; be prepared to escalate if clients resist necessary measures

Remember:As fire safety professionals, we have privileged knowledge and professional obligations. Effective PEEPs can save lives. Inadequate PEEPs can cost lives. Our recommendations must be technically sound, legally compliant, operationally realistic, and genuinely protective of vulnerable individuals. When in doubt, consult with peers, engage specialists, and always prioritize life safety over convenience or cost. Document everything, test rigorously, and never be afraid to say “this isn’t safe enough” when evidence supports that conclusion.