Reigate & Banstead Town Hall  - General Emergency Evacuation Plans for visitors (GEEP)

Introduction

The Council have evacuation procedures in place which outline the action to be taken in emergency situations, however in view of the diversity of people using our facilities and services, it is necessary to provide arrangements that will support the needs of people who may require additional assistance during an evacuation.

The purpose of this General Emergency Evacuation Plan (GEEP) is to enable visitors to the building, who may have restricted mobility or those who may not be able to evacuate unaided to become familiar with the layout, evacuation procedure, available equipment and communication devices.

If you feel that this document does not provide you with sufficient information, or that you require further assistance, please contact the Councils Corporate Health and Safety Advisor on 01737 276277.

Evacuation in an emergency

Where persons with restricted mobility issues are located on and above ground floor level or in basements there are a number of aspects to consider:

• Persons with mobility issues may require assistance in leaving the building from ground floor locations. In assisting persons with mobility issues, it may be appropriate to avoid the main cluster of evacuees when leaving the building
• On first floor levels and above and in basements, persons with a mobility issue should be assisted to leave the building by the most appropriate route. If this is not possible a suitable refuge area should be sought, and other employees alerted to the fact that a refuge area is being used and the requirements of the person with mobility issues (e.g. Wheelchair user etc.). This information should then be relayed to the emergency services when they arrive on site.
• Wherever possible, someone should remain with the person with mobility issues.
• Lifts must not be used under any circumstances, either during an emergency or drill

The building

The Town Hall comprises of 3 main buildings all joined at ground floor level.

All floors at the site are accessible by using the lifts. – Emergency egress using the lifts is not possible during evacuation.

There are safe refuge areas available in 2 stair cores, one located in the Old Town Hall and one in the Middle Block office area. – These refuge areas provide an emergency phone for communication requirements. (see attached floor plans)

There are various accessible exits available on the ground floor.

Action required on hearing the fire alarm

If able, you should leave the building immediately, using the nearest first exit (see attached floor plan) and proceed directly to the assigned assembly point for the building (see attached floor plan).

If you are unable to evacuate the building unaided, please proceed to one of the safe refuges located in the building. (see attached floor plan)

A phone is located in each of the refuges, the phone should be used to notify someone of your location, if you have not already informed someone.

Other recommendations

It is recommended that all visitors to the Town Hall familiarise themselves with the floor layout and nearest fire exits and evacuation routes. – Floor plans and equipment locations have been provided in this document.

Fire Evacuation Procedure: Town Hall

Visitors & Guests

General Information:

Fire Alarmis a continuous ringing bell throughout the site.

Assembly Pointis located in the south-east corner of the car park

Exit Routes are clearly marked with ‘Green running man signs’

If you discover a fire

• Raise the alarm by operating the nearest call point: usually located near exit doors.
• Proceed to leave the building by taking the nearest, safest available exit and head directly to the assembly point. DO NOT gather or stop in areas i.e. walkaways, kitchens etc.
• Wait for further instruction and DO NOT re-enter the building until the all clear has been given. – This will be communicated to you via your host.

What to do if you hear the alarm

• Evacuate the building immediately using the nearest, safest available fire exit (this may not be the door you entered through) by following the emergency exit signs.
• Follow the fire exit route directly to the assembly point. (Picture above)
• Wait for further instruction and DO NOT re-enter the building until the all clear has been given. – This will be communicated to you via your host.