FEEP or PEEP the difference…

There is nothing the Health & Safety world likes more than an acronym and in this article we explore two fire related acronyms. But what is a FEEP or PEEP?

A FEEP is a Fire Emergency Evacuation Plan and is the written procedure of what action should be taken by employees in the workplace in the event of a fire incident.

A PEEP is a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan and is the written procedure specifically designed for an individual who may have a disability or who may need assistance in exiting a building quickly in the event of an emergency.

Fire Emergency Evacuation Plan (FEEP)

A FEEP should be a clear and logical plan that can be remembered and followed by all employees in the event of a fire incident. All employees should be informed of the plans during their and induction and reminded regularly and the plan should be displayed. The plan should be tested by means of fire drills with the results monitored and any improvements made to the FEEP if needed.

What should be included in a FEEP?

• The name of the Responsible Person– this would usually be the business owner, a director, manager or other nominated person.
• What an individual should do on discovering a fire 
• How the Fire Service is contacted –whether or not the fire alarm system is linked directly to the fire service. If not, it must be clear who is responsible for calling 999
• How vulnerable people should be evacuated – Details of any PEEPs, and identification of anyone who made need assistance or specialist equipment including children, the elderly or person(s) with disability.
• Actions to take in the event of a fire alarm 
• Where fire fighting equipment is located on site
• Evacuation procedures and details of escape routes –  whether a simultaneous evacuation or phased evacuation.
• Location of Assembly Point – outside the building
• Names of appointed Fire Marshals
• What fire training is provided for staff

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)

A PEEP is a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan. A PEEP should be in place for any individual who many need assistance or specialist equipment to escape the building quickly in the event of a fire alarm.

Individuals who may need a PEEP include;

• Those with disabilities which could include sight, hearing, mobility or cognitive impairments.
• Children.
• Elderly.
• A temporary PEEP may be needed if a member of staff is suffering from an injury i.e. broken a leg or has a short term impairment.
• A ‘new and expectant mothers’ risk assessment should also highlight whether a temporary PEEP is needed in the later stages of a pregnancy.

A PEEP should detail exactly what actions should take place in the event of an emergency. Who should assist and whether any areas of refuge are used. If refuges are used, in the event of the Fire Service attending they should be made aware of these areas, where they are and whether anyone is using them. Details of the PEEPs should be shared with the individual concerned, relevant managers, fire marshals and person(s) named in the PEEP to assist.

Fire Drills should be carried our regularly with FEEPs and PEEPs being tested and the plans reviewed and amended as and where necessary. It is essential that Fire Marshals and those in positions of responsibility have access to and understand the FEEP and any subsequent PEEPs. Any amendments to the plans need to be communicated to staff and and any new workers should be shown the FEEP as part of their induction.