When a fire alarm sounds, the first thing on anyone’s mind is getting out of the building quickly. In the UK during the year ending March 2024, 4,165 fire incidents involved a full evacuation? That’s more than 11 evacuations every day!
But what happens after evacuating the premises? A self-assembly is a designated location where people gather once evacuated, so everyone can be accounted for.
It sounds simple, but the placement and planning of assembly points can make or break your fire safety procedures. Whether you’re managing a commercial office, residential flats, or industrial premises, knowing how and where to establish your self-assembly point is critical. And if you’re a fire marshal or responsible for a fire risk assessment, this is non-negotiable.
Let’s break down exactly why you need a self-assembly point, where it should go, and how it connects to wider fire safety practices, including fire risk assessments for flats and other buildings.
What is a self-assembly point?
A self-assembly point (also known simply as an “assembly point” or “fire assembly area”) is a predetermined location where building occupants go in the event of an evacuation. It’s a critical part of any fire evacuation plan and is used to:
- Ensure everyone is out safely.
- Help fire marshals account for people.
- Avoid confusion during emergencies.
- Allow emergency services to work without obstruction.
But for it to be effective, it needs to be clearly marked, well thought out, and communicated to everyone in the building. This includes residents, staff, visitors, contractors and anyone else who will be using the building.
Why you need a self-assembly point
Accountability saves lives
The primary function of an assembly point for commercial premises is to help fire marshals quickly identify who is safe and who may still be inside. Without one, there’s chaos – people scatter, no one knows who’s been checked in, and first responders might enter dangerous areas trying to rescue someone who’s already outside.
It’s a legal requirement
Under UK fire safety regulations, all businesses and multi-occupancy buildings must have an evacuation plan, and that should include a clearly marked assembly point. During a fire risk assessment, the presence, location, and signage of your self-assembly point will be evaluated. If it’s missing, hard to reach, or confusing, it will be raised as an action for improvement.
Essential for fire marshals
Fire marshals rely on the assembly point to do roll calls and report to emergency services. They’re trained to manage evacuations, but they can only do their job if people know where to go. Having a proper assembly point helps them act fast and decisively in high-pressure situations.
Essential for fire marshals
Fire marshals rely on the assembly point to do roll calls and report to emergency services. They’re trained to manage evacuations, but they can only do their job if people know where to go. Having a proper assembly point helps them act fast and decisively in high-pressure situations.
Who is responsible for choosing the assembly point?
The designated assembly point is the responsibility of the responsible person, usually the employer, building owner, landlord, or managing agent. They must choose a safe, accessible location and ensure its included in the emergency plan or on Fire Action Notices and clearly communicated to everyone in the building.
Where to locate your self-assembly point
As a rule, your assembly point must be safe, visible, and accessible.
Let’s discuss what that means.
Far enough away from the building
Your assembly point should be far enough away from the building to ensure people are out of harm’s way if there’s a structural collapse, falling glass, or smoke. As a guide this should be approx. 1.5 times the height of the building, for example, if your building is 10 meters tall, the assembly point should be 15 meters away from the building. This should not include having to cross a busy road to reach it.
Not blocking emergency access
Avoid placing assembly points near entrances or driveways where fire engines and emergency crews may need access. People gathered in these areas can delay firefighting efforts.
Clearly marked and signposted
The signage should be large, reflective, and weather-resistant. People in a panic should be able to spot it easily. In most cases, particularly in blocks of flats, signs should be posted in stairwells and on exit routes as well, reminding occupants of the assembly location.
Learn more: Understanding Fire Safety Signs
Suitable for all weather conditions
In the UK, weather is unpredictable. Choose a location that isn’t easily flooded or exposed. If possible, provide basic shelter or consider a nearby covered area, just don’t sacrifice safety or visibility. For care homes/sheltered housing where occupants may be vulnerable, consider an arrangement with another local home/village hall etc for shelter to be provided during eg hours of darkness, winter, as once evacuated it could be a number of hours before it is safe to return.
Easily accessible for all occupants
Make sure people with mobility impairments can reach the assembly point. Ramps, step-free routes, and hard, even surfaces all help ensure everyone can get there safely.
Assembly points for flats and residential buildings
If you’re doing a fire risk assessment for flats, the approach to assembly points may differ slightly from commercial sites, as there is unlikely to be a fire marshal logging who has evacuated. In addition, the flats may have a “stay put” policy, especially in high-rise buildings with fire-resistant construction. But when full evacuation is necessary, the assembly point becomes crucial.
For flats:
- Assembly points should be located outside the fire cordon zone.
- Every resident must be informed during induction or move-in.
- Include clear maps and instructions on communal noticeboards.
- Consider the needs of children, the elderly, and disabled residents , don’t just assume everyone will make it out without support.
During your fire risk assessment, ensure your assessor evaluates whether the location is realistic and reachable for all residents, and that communication of evacuation plans is adequate.
Mistakes to avoid
Even with good intentions, some common missteps can render your assembly point ineffective:
- Too close to the building: This puts evacuees in danger.
- No signage or poor visibility: People won’t know where to go, especially visitors.
- Blocked or locked access routes: A clear path to the assembly point is essential. Avoid crossing a road to get there.
- Multiple conflicting points: Keep it simple. One point per building or clearly segmented areas.
- Not including it in the fire risk assessment: Your assessor should verify that your assembly point is suitable, if not, it’s a major oversight.
Integrating assembly points into your fire risk assessment
Your fire risk assessment must include a review of your evacuation strategy and assembly point setup. A qualified assessor will evaluate:
- The location and suitability of the assembly point.
- Signage and visibility.
- Accessibility for all occupants.
- Integration with fire marshal duties and roll-call procedures.
- Whether all occupants know where to go.
If you’re overseeing flats, commercial premises, or public buildings, getting this right isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about protecting lives.
Final checklist for a proper assembly point
- Located at a safe distance from the building.
- Not in the way of emergency access routes.
- Marked with clear, weatherproof signage.
- Accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.
- Communicated clearly to all occupants.
- Reviewed regularly during fire drills and risk assessments.
Contact Fire Risk Assessments
At Fire Risk Assessments, we regularly help businesses and residential managers identify gaps in their evacuation planning. Often, the assembly point is either missing, misplaced, or poorly marked. We don’t just assess; we advise, explain, and help implement solutions that work in real life.
If you’re unsure whether your assembly point meets current safety standards, or if you’re planning a fire risk assessment for flats or commercial property, we can help. Contact us today to book your assessment or get expert advice on placing your assembly point.