Conducting an evacuation drill

WHY CONDUCT FIRE EVACUATION DRILLS?
These drills are entirely dedicated to occupant safety. They allow staff to be trained and practiced in applying fire procedures. By knowing the instructions and evacuation routes, employees know exactly how to react. This training can therefore save lives.

Problem identification:
Drills can reveal potential difficulties related to the evacuation plan or the implementation of procedures. These can then be corrected.
Regulatory compliance:
Regulations require establishments open to the public (ERP) and establishments receiving workers (ERT) to organize at least one fire evacuation drill every 6 months. This ensures compliance with current regulations.
Employer responsibility:
According to the labor code, the employer must take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of its employees.

It unfolds as follows:

• Prior organization of the exercise: check the safety instructions, define and put in place the necessary organization.
• Activation of the fire alarm to alert occupants of the need to evacuate.
• Putting evacuation instructions into practice: use the indicated emergency exits, head towards the outdoor assembly point, etc.
• Verification that the evacuation proceeded smoothly and that instructions were followed.
• Checking for possible assistance for people with disabilities.
• Feedback and identification of areas for improvement to optimize the procedure.
• The objective is to test the responsiveness and effectiveness of the evacuation plan in real-world conditions in order to guarantee the safety of occupants in case of emergency.

Trainees are assessed throughout the exercise. A debriefing session will be held immediately with all participants, followed by a more comprehensive debriefing with the evacuation team. A written report will be submitted within a few days, and the instructor will complete the safety log.