Simple steps to safety
April 1st 2008

The Emergency Evacuation Company specialises in all things fire related – from training to emergency evacuation packs. According to MD, Adrian Simpson, a thorough plan is key to ensuring emergencies don't become disasters. But he says it needn't be overly expensive or time consuming. For many businesses, he says emergency plans and related equipment are "very much common sense", but it's vital that all parties buy into the programme – from senior management to delegated warden to general staff.

He says this isn't always the case.

"Most management take it seriously but there's a lot of delegation going on. A manager is told they will be responsible for fire safety, but unless they are given the support and the budget to implement effective plans, it won't be effective." He says a lack of seriousness toward plans and drills can also be a problem.

"People can tend to treat drills as a bit of a joke – and the worst thing companies can do is give out a warning in the morning that there will be a drill in the afternoon, which totally defeats the object." For those who feel competent enough to carry out their own fire risk assessment, the company sells guides to help them through the process, alongside all necessary equipment. Its own fire risk assessors have at least 10 years fire brigade (or equivalent) experience for firms looking to outsource the requirement.

According to Simpson, its current best selling product is an emergency evacuation pack, which – alongside first aid kit, goggles, water, a dynamo torch with siren and radio alarm – contains a smoke mask (the Excaper) that covers both nose and mouth, and filters out smoke and carbon dioxide for at least 15 minutes. "It's a novel piece of kit, but it's vital, because if you have a fire on several levels, you very quickly get a thick cloud of smoke and high levels of carbon monoxide. If you have 15-20 minutes of being able to breathe, see your way out and alert emergency services to your whereabouts, you have a far greater chance of getting out alive." The firm also has a new range of fire safety training DVDs launching in May.