Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans and Accessible Fire Safety

What is a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)?

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) are bespoke plans created to assist individuals who may require additional support during an emergency building evacuation. A PEEP should be completed before the person attends the building, or at the earliest possible stage. They must not be brought into a building that they cannot safely evacuate.

To ensure safety at UCL departments must know about the individual requirements for safe evacuation in case of an emergency from workspaces, learning spaces or accommodation. The PEEP will be co-written by individuals and a representative of their department to ensure it is specific to their needs and will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains accurate and appropriate.

Who may require a PEEP?

PEEPs can be created to factor in a broad range of circumstances. Below is a list of factors that PEEPs can be created to support:

• Mobility impairment.
• Visual impairment.
• Hearing Impairment.
• Dexterity or Strength.
• Neurodiversity.
• Mental Health condition.
• Temporary illness or injury.
• Pregnancy.
• Other circumstances that may affect a person’s ability to evacuate.

Where can I find help and advice?

Once an initial conversation has been had with the individual and the questionnaire part of the form has been completed, you will then have a better understanding of their needs and together can begin writing their plan. However, should you require further support or have some initial questions you may find answers within the below:

• Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan SharePoint (UCL login required)
• Technical notes for Personal Emergency Evacution Plans (UCL login required)
• Fire Safety Handbooks for each building containing information on PEEPs (UCL Login required)
• Area Facilities Managers
• Inclusive Environments Team
• Room bookings
• The Fire Safety Team (building plans, evacuation route advice, lift queries)

Who is responsible for conducting the PEEP/Who fills out the PEEP assessment with the individual?

This is different within every department and can range from any of the following:

• Head of Department (HOD)
• Department Safety Officer (DSO)
• Summary of Reasonable Adjustments Lead (SoRA)
• Teaching and learning administrator
• Other dedicated person within the department.

Why doesn't every building have evacuation chairs?

Evacuation chairs are implemented on a case-by-case basis. At UCL there are a variety of different options that can be explored to ensure safe evacuation before looking at implementing an evacuation chair. We consider the following factors when considering if an evacuation chair is suitable for a location:

• Are there alternative evacuation routes?
• Could a different room be used/booked?
• Can Horizontal evacuation be utilised?
• The stair width, flooring etc. 
• Is there space to implement a refuge area?
• Will there always be personnel trained to use evacuation chairs if there is a fire?
• Appropriate maintenance schedules.

How do I know which lifts are evacuation lifts?

Whilst there are many lifts across UCL buildings that can be used during an evacuation for a person with a PEEP, not all lifts can. Please contact the UCL Fire Team for more information about the lift in your building.

Who can be an evacuation buddy? What do buddies do?

Any co-worker can be a buddy but students may not be buddies. The role of a buddy is to help the individual who requires a PEEP to navigate to a fire exit safely. If a person has a dedicated carer or assistant, they may provide this assistance.