If a fire broke out in your building right now, would everyone be able to get out safely?
The hard truth is that standard evacuation plans don’t always account for residents who need extra help.
Following the Grenfell Inquiry, new Residential PEEP regulations are being introduced to make sure vulnerable people aren’t left behind in an emergency.
These changes could save lives – so it’s crucial to understand what they mean for you, your building, and your community.
What’s changing?
In December, the Government issued a statement setting out its plan on how it will address the recommendations in the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 1 report, which identified that there was a lack of planning for the evacuation of vulnerable people in an emergency.
- The government plans to implement Residential PEEPs for vulnerable residents.
- New regulations will apply to 18m+ buildings and 11-18m buildings with simultaneous evacuation strategies.
- Responsible Persons (RPs) must take reasonable steps to identify and assist vulnerable residents.
- Information will be submitted digitally to the Fire & Rescue Service.
The government recognised that workplace PEEPs are unsuitable for residential settings. As a result, further research will determine the best approach for assisting residents who need help evacuating.
Recognising that the acronym PEEP is already a familiar concept, the new plans will be named ‘Residential PEEP’.
What will Responsible Person (RPs) need to do?
Any new regulation will ‘require RPs to undertake reasonable steps to identify vulnerable residents’.
This requirement will be for the purpose of carrying out the ‘Person-Centred Fire Risk Assessment‘, which will then be used to identify if a Residential PEEP is required.
It will primarily expect the Responsible Person (RP) to submit limited information digitally to the local Fire & Rescue Service (FRS), rather than having the information provided in a premises information box. An electronic system will then be easier for the RP to make changes & keep up to date. It will also enable the FRS to plan for any potential rescue of vulnerable occupants quickly.
Current PEEP or GEEP requirements
If you have employees, customers, or visitors on your premises, you’ll need a PEEP (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan) or GEEP (General Emergency Evacuation Plan).
Not sure which one you’ll need? Read our simple guide to choosing a PEEP or GEEP.
Why GEEPs and PEEPs Matter
Having evacuation plans isn’t just best practice – it’s a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
The Equality Act 2010 also mandates accessibility for all, including in emergencies.
A GEEP ensures workplaces and public spaces can evacuate ALL individuals safely. A PEEP is a customised plan for individuals needing specific assistance.
What is a GEEP?
A GEEP applies to buildings used by the public or workplaces with transient workers.
Occupants should be made aware of the evacuation process and if they may require additional assistance, it should be clear who they need to notify and there should be several plans in place that can meet different needs.
- Individuals can then ensure something is in place for them.
- The plans should include:
- Building layout & emergency exits
- Emergency communication & accessible equipment
- Fire safety training & drills for staff.
Why is a GEEP necessary?
If you’re responsible for a building, it’s your legal duty to ensure everyone can evacuate safely – including those who need extra help. A GEEP ensures compliance and safety.
What is a PEEP?
A PEEP is a tailored evacuation plan for individuals needing assistance due to:
- Mobility, sight, hearing, or cognitive impairments
- Temporary conditions (injuries, medical issues, late-stage pregnancy)
What should a PEEP include?
- Escape routes & designated assistance
- Training & evacuation drills
- Accessible equipment use
Stay compliant with FireRiskAssessments.com
Whether you need a general plan for your building or a personalised plan for someone who needs extra assistance, having these systems in place protects lives and helps keep you compliant with fire safety requirements.
At FireRiskAssessments.com, we can help identify whether a GEEP is necessary and review any existing evacuation plans you have in place.
While we don’t create GEEPs or PEEPs, we can assess your current provisions to ensure they meet fire safety standards.
Get in touch for expert advice and get a free tailored quote from us today!