Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)
The aim of a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) is to assist any person who may have difficulty evacuating from a University building or facility in the event of an emergency such as a fire. These difficulties could arise from permanent, long term or temporary reasons. Although not exhaustive, the following is a guide as to what may be relevant:
- Mobility impairment: ranging from strains and sprains through use of walking aid and wheelchair; most relevant are problems are using stairs, travelling distances or opening doors
- Visual or hearing problems: primary difficulties are not becoming aware that a fire alarm has been activated or not being able to understand written/verbal directions
- Dexterity or weakness issues which may cause difficulty opening doors or affect your ability to respond to an alarm sounding
- Cognitive problems or learning difficulties; such as panic attacks or difficulty in following or comprehending instructions
Employees and students or their relevant line manager / tutor must make the Fire Safety team aware if a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan is required. A PEEP may also be recommended by Student Wellbeing or Occupational Health.
A member of the Fire Safety team will then contact them to complete the relevant form (see below) and create an evacuation plan with them.
Students living in the Meadows, Copse, University Quays or Pastures can inform their accommodation provider if a PEEP is required for accommodation areas.
PEEP application forms
To create a PEEP, complete one of the following forms (Essex users only) and send it to fire@essex.ac.uk:
- Cognitive issues (.docx)
- Dexterity or weakness issues (.docx)
- Hearing impairment (.docx)
- Mobility (.docx)
- Vision impairment (.docx)
PEEP forms will be kept by the Fire Safety team for as long as it is required. Relevant details may be passed to others, but only if considered necessary. If circumstances change or a PEEP is no longer needed, PEEP details can be updated or removed from records.
To discuss PEEPs in more details contact fire@essex.ac.uk
Creating an evacuation plan
For individuals that may have difficulty evacuating during an emergency evacuation of university buildings, completion of one of the PEEP forms is required. Personal details provided will be administered on a confidential basis, protecting anonymity if required. PEEP documents will be reviewed by the Fire Safety team.
Each PEEP form contains generic arrangements that apply to most individual’s needs. Where necessary, further adjustments will be tailored to the individual and could include physical assistance, technical aids, more suitable accommodation, and training. PEEP arrangements will attempt to take into account all areas on campus that are regularly frequented, whether for work or social activity.
General evacuation arrangements
Wheelchair users and others who cannot manage stairs
Some lifts are specially adapted to remain safe for use in a fire, however no lift should be used unless instructed to do so. Some buildings are alarmed in zones. If evacuation to an outside area is not possible for any reason; evacuation into another zone may be possible.As a last resort, request assistance from another person to assist you into a designated refuge area or the part of the corridor closest to the staircase. Unless you are threatened by the fire or other emergency you should not enter a staircase enclosure.
Use the communication system provided to inform Security or call the relevant Security emergency telephone number. They will inform you as to what action to take and will arrange assistance if required.
Should you be threatened by fire, you should move onto the staircase enclosure but remain on the landing. All staircases are protected, and you would normally be safe to remain on the landing until assistance arrives. Specialist evacuation chairs are provided on some staircases, carers can be provided with training in its use.
Persons who can manage stairs with difficulty
Follow the advice above or make your way to a staircase. Your limited mobility could cause an accident to either yourself or others, please do not attempt to descend until the main body of other people has passed.Visual impairment
For those with some vision, exit routes should be well lit, with noticeable doorways and signage that should be large enough to read. If you are unable to find your way out, you should ask someone for assistance or contact Security.Difficulty reading
If you cannot read the information provided, particularly the emergency instruction notices, it should be read to you or provided in a larger format.Hearing impairment
If you may not hear the fire alarm, you must request that specialist equipment is provided or ensure that someone will notify you immediately. There are flashing beacons to assist you in common areas such as corridors, and specialist equipment is available for residents and sleeping guests.Weakness or limited dexterity
If you find it difficult to open doors, special adaptations may need to be made, or it may be necessary to ask for assistance or be accompanied. If you have circulatory or respiratory issues which can affect your ability to evacuate in a timely manner, this should be discussed with the Fire team.Mental health or cognitive issues
These range from severe learning difficulties to occasional panic attacks. Potential solutions generally require personal support or supervision, exact arrangements will be discussed with the Fire team.