Simultaneous evacuation

In the context of the UK Building Safety Act, "simultaneous evac" refers to a fire safety evacuation strategy in which all occupants of a building are evacuated simultaneously when a fire alarm is activated, regardless of their location within the building. This approach contrasts with phased evacuation strategies, where occupants are evacuated from different parts of the building in stages, typically starting from the area nearest to the fire.

Simultaneous evac is a fire safety evacuation strategy designed to ensure the prompt and orderly evacuation of all occupants of a building in the event of a fire, prioritising their safety and well-being. It requires clear procedures, effective communication, and regular training to ensure that occupants can evacuate safely and efficiently in an emergency.

Overall, simultaneous evac is a fire safety evacuation strategy designed to ensure the prompt and orderly evacuation of all occupants of a building in the event of a fire, prioritising their safety and well-being. It requires clear procedures, effective communication, and regular training to ensure that occupants can evacuate safely and efficiently in an emergency.

Code of Practice for the Provision of Premises Information Boxes in Residential Buildings, Version 1, published in December 2020 by the Fire Industry Association (FIA) and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), defines simultaneous evacuation as a: ‘Procedure in which all parts of a block of flats are evacuated following the giving of a common alarm of fire.’

PAS 9980:2022, Fire risk appraisal of external wall construction and cladding of existing blocks of flats – Code of practice, published by BSI Standards Limited in 2022, defines simultaneous evacuation as a: ‘system of evacuation in which an entire building is evacuated immediately on receiving an evacuation signal (e.g. from a fire detection and fire alarm system) or an evacuation alert signal from an evacuation alert system for use by the fire and rescue service, or an instruction to evacuate (e.g. given verbally to the residents of each dwelling by firefighters).’

NB Planning Gateway One - Glossary, published on the Planning Portal, defines a simultaneous evacuation strategy as a: ‘Procedure in which all parts of a building are evacuated following the giving of a common alarm of fire.’

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Approved document B.
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• Fire alarm.
• Fire and rescue service.
• Fire Safety Act.
• Fire Safety Order.
• Fire.
• Grenfell Tower.
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