Keeping people safe in a fire
In a fire, some people can’t always get out quickly, for example, people who use wheelchairs or have mobility problems. A refuge area is a safe space where they
can wait, for a short period, until help arrives.
It’s not the final escape point, but it keeps people safe from fire and smoke while trained staff or the fire service help them leave.
NOTE – Any Emergency plan must NOT rely on the fire service to evacuate all occupants. Therefore there should be provisions in place to ensure any plan incorporates trained staff and any relevant equipment in order to evacuate anyone who may require assistance.
Making sure refuges are correctly designed, easy to find, and maintained properly can save lives.
A professional fire risk assessment can tell you if your building needs refuge areas, and check they meet safety rules.
When do you need a refuge area?
Refuge areas are usually needed in multi-floor buildings that are open to the public or used for work, such as:
- Offices
- Hospitals and care homes
- Schools, colleges, and universities
- Hotels and leisure centres
- Shopping centres and transport stations
UK fire safety law says you must plan for everyone to escape safely in a fire. If your building has more than one floor, you could need refuge areas, but only a fire risk assessment will confirm this.
What makes a safe refuge area?
A safe refuge area should be in a fire-resistant space with at least 30 minutes of fire protection, next to a protected escape route like a staircase.
It needs to have enough room for a wheelchair without blocking the way or narrowing the escape route for other occupants, a two-way communication system so people can call for help, and clear fire safety signs showing where it is.
It should also always be kept clear. A professional fire risk assessor will check all these points to make sure a refuge area is ready to use in an emergency.
Where should refuges be?
Refuge areas are normally placed:
- On every floor (apart from the ground floor if it leads straight outside)
- Next to protected stairs or lobbies
- On escape routes, without blocking them
The location is important! It needs to be easy to reach and safe for people to stay in while they wait for assistance – a fire risk assessment will help you find the best spots.
Refuge areas need a plan
Having a refuge isn’t enough on its own. You also need a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) for each person who might need help.
This should include:
- Where the refuge is
- Who will help with evacuation
- Any equipment needed (e.g. evacuation chair)
- The safest route out
Professional fire assessors look at the whole fire emergency plan, not just the refuge space, to make sure it works in real life.
Why a professional fire risk assessment is important
Refuge areas only work if they’re built to the right standard, in the right place, checked regularly, and included in a full fire evacuation plan.
A professional fire risk assessment will make sure all of this is done so your building stays safe and meets UK fire safety law.
Fire refuge quick questions
Who uses a refuge area?
Anyone who can’t quickly leave the building in a fire emergency, such as people with mobility issues, injuries, or other impairments.
Do all buildings need refuge areas?
No, but most multi-floor public and work buildings do.
How often should fire refuges be checked?
Regularly, as part of your normal fire safety checks, and in your yearly fire risk assessment.
What if I don’t have a refuge area?
If your building needs to have a refuge area, you must install one to keep people safe and follow the law.
Where should a refuge area be placed?
Usually on each floor, next to a protected escape route like a staircase, without blocking the way for anyone else who’s evacuating.
What equipment should a refuge area have?
At least a two-way communication system, clear signage, and enough space for any occupants who need assisstance wheelchair user to wait safely to be evacuated.
Protect lives with FireRiskAssessments.com
No one should be put at more risk in a fire because they can’t evacuate as quickly as other occupants.
A professional fire risk assessment will check if you need a fire refuge area, where they should go, and how they fit into your wider evacuation plan.
Get in touch with FireRiskAssessments.com to get a free fire risk assessment quote and make sure your building is safe for everyone.