All systems go?
April 1st 2008

London-based emergency evacuation consultancy, Evacuation Strategies works for clients including the Olympic Delivery Authority, Canary Wharf Management and The John Lewis Partnership. Founded by scientist Simon Ancliffe, the firm assesses, advises and helps implement evacuation strategies using mathematical analysis and simulations – and devises command and control software solutions to ensure the swiftest, safest emergency evacuations. Brendan Coyne reports

According to Ancliffe, the first element is to assess the emergency system, covering people, processes, systems and environment. "Consider the building design, number of staff, how many stairwells and exists and the number of people per exit. Then you examine the system, the procedures, command and control – who's in charge and what happens if they are away on the day? Then analyse the technology: is it a single alarm or are there multiple options? Next detail the training, the drill, and how people react to an emergency. Then you find the gaps in the system – the Swiss cheese model – the holes where it will fall over. And the holes are always there." While Ancliffe says most firms' evacuation works reasonably well, there is always room for improvement: to reduce evacuation times and ensure the plan works under virtually any circumstance rather than just fire.

Prior to 9/11, Ancliffe's business was predominantly in crowd management, covering events such as the Chelsea Flower Show and Glastonbury. Post 9/11, and increasingly since 7/7, the threat of terrorist attacks brought the firm closer to blue chips most at risk.

Alongside evacuation, internal shelter is a key requirement for the organisations terrorists might target.

Ancliffe says this is a separate process. "It's a different requirement, moving staff to certain parts of the building rather than dispersal. And it requires different communications and management systems. If the shelter isn't built in it has to be assessed, the capacity determined, whether it has water, toilets, sustenance and information systems – because you don't know how long you'll have to be there." He says in these circumstances, information as to the threat is key. "But how do you get that information? It's often indeterminate, which places a real burden on decision makers." In both evacuation and internal shelter operations, where certain stairwells and exists may be unusable, Ancliffe says command, control and signage needs to clearly distinguish between exits. He says this is where Evacuation Strategies' 3D signage can play a key role. "People are often unable to orientate themselves looking at a 2D plan. When the pressure's on, the ability to quickly locate yourself and the available exit is key." He says the company can deliver 3D signage within two weeks of receiving building plans.

The firm also tailors individual training plans and consultations to improve customers' drills, helping them to understand how staff will react in an emergency. "Given the correct information, people generally make sensible decisions. But in an emergency, where visibility, movement and information is restricted, the need to plan and drill effectively are paramount."