The nature of risk is changing. Buildings are getting taller and increasingly accessible for people with restricted mobility. Improvements in technology are making it possible to work in a much more flexible way. Public premises like hotels, leisure facilities and transport also remain on high alert, as the UK continues to face an increased risk of terrorism.
Each of these factors influences the effectiveness of emergency procedures. It is therefore crucially important that landlords and property owners are continuously adapting evacuation policies to account for new risks.
Evac+Chair believes the UK needs to move beyond the 'tick box' response to risk. Safe evacuation should be embedded within a building or organisation's culture with procedures communicated clearly and practised frequently.
At the Safety Health Environment Show North West, Evac+Chair will be sharing best practice advice, highlighting the importance of training and answering visitors' questions surrounding emergency evacuation to help ensure visitors' policies are up to date and fit for purpose.