What Does PEEP Stand for in Fire Safety?

What Does PEEP Stand for in Fire Safety?

Have you heard the term PEEP in relation to fire safety? Learn what it means and why it is so important to you and those around you in this guide.
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    In a fire emergency, every second counts but not everyone can respond in the same way. That’s why PEEPs (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans) are a critical part of fire safety strategy in any workplace or public space.

    Today we’ll explain exactly what a PEEP is, why it matters, who’s responsible for putting them in place, and how you can ensure both long and short-term needs are accounted for.

    What does PEEP stand for?

    PEEP stands for Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan.

    It’s a tailored escape strategy designed for individuals who may need help evacuating a building in an emergency, such as during a fire. These plans are specific to a person’s needs, abilities, and the layout of the building they are in.

    Why PEEPs are important

    Creating a PEEP isn’t just a box-ticking exercise or even best practice. It is a legal and moral responsibility.

    Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Equality Act 2010, employers and building owners must make reasonable adjustments to ensure that all individuals, including those with disabilities or temporary impairments (such as a broken ankle or leg, or pregnancy), can escape safely during an emergency.

    According to Scope, over 14 million people in the UK alone live with a disability, and not all of those are visible. Having a PEEP in place ensures that every single person with a disability (however visible) knows that they have been thought of in the case of an emergency.

    There are also a range of benefits to having a PEEP in place which stretch beyond simply putting a plan in place for an emergency. These include:

    • Reducing confusion and panic during stressful, rushed evacuations
    • Ensuring that all vulnerable individuals are accounted for
    • Supporting legal compliance
    • Promoting a culture of inclusivity and care

    Who is responsible for a PEEP in the workplace?

    The primary responsibility for creating and maintaining PEEPs lies with the “Responsible Person.”

    This is often the employer, site owner, or building manager; but the only way it can be truly effective is if the entire team know their responsibilities.

    Long-term and short-term PEEPs

    A good fire safety strategy accounts for both ongoing and temporary needs. While some live with their disabilities every day, others have short-term ailments or conditions that require specific short-term plans to adapt to their issues, such as pregnancy or injury.

    Long-term PEEPs are:

    • Developed for individuals with consistent needs
    • Reviewed annually
    • Updated after changes to their condition (positive or negative)
    • Factored into building layout changes

    Short-term PEEPs are:

    • Put in place for pregnancy (especially in the latter stages)
    • Influenced by injuries or operations (such as the essential use of crutches or a wheelchair)
    • Developed as part of building renovations (e.g. blocked routes)
    • Not always in use, but there when required (e.g. for temporary visitors who may need a PEEP)

    What should a PEEP include?

    A good, reliable and effective personal emergency evacuation plan should:

    • Be tailored to individuals and their needs
    • Not be generic
    • Outline designated escape routes including stair lifts
    • Assign responsibilities to specific members of staff
    • Recommend fire safety equipment where needed

    In summary

    Developing a PEEP should not be about simply satisfying a piece of legislation or creating another health and safety document to share with the team. It’s about embedding safety, care and accessibility into your fire safety strategy.

    Whether you’re supporting staff with long-term requirements or adapting your strategy for temporary needs you can build a safer, more caring environment of your own by:

    • Training fire marshals or wardens to assist those with a PEEP
    • Factoring PEEPs into your next fire evacuation drill
    • Keeping accessible routes clear at all times

    The Firechief® range includes high-performance fire safety products and equipment such as fire extinguishers, blankets, escape aids and the innovative Kitchen Stove Guard. For more information, call us on +44 (0)330 999 0019 or email sales@firechiefglobal.com.

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    Disclaimer

    The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and, where necessary, to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation professional. The use or reliance on any information contained herein is solely at the reader's risk.

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