Fire drills (also known as trial evacuations) are a critical component of workplace safety, ensuring that employees know how to evacuate the premises quickly and safely in the event of a fire. But how often should your New Zealand business conduct a fire drill to maintain optimal safety and compliance? In this article, we’ll explore the importance of regular fire drills and provide guidance on how frequently they should be conducted.
Why Are Fire Drills Important?
A fire drill is more than just a routine exercise – it’s a life-saving measure.
Regular fire drills:
- Ensure preparedness: Employees who regularly practise evacuations are more likely to respond quickly and calmly in a real emergency.
- Identify issues: Fire drills can highlight potential problems in your evacuation plan, such as blocked exits or unclear routes, allowing you to address these before an actual fire occurs.
- Meet legal requirements: In New Zealand, certain businesses are required by law to conduct regular fire drills as part of their evacuation scheme. Even if your business is not legally required, regular drills are a best practice for safety.
How Often Should You Conduct Fire Drills?
The frequency of fire drills depends on several factors, including the size of your business, the type of building you occupy, and the specific risks associated with your operations. However, a general guideline for New Zealand businesses is to conduct a fire drill at least every six months.
- For High-Risk Environments
Businesses operating in high-risk environments—such as manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and large office buildings—should conduct fire drills more frequently. In such cases, quarterly drills may be appropriate to ensure that all employees are familiar with evacuation procedures.
- For Smaller Businesses
For smaller businesses or those in low-risk environments, conducting a fire drill every six months is usually sufficient. However, it’s important to assess your specific needs and adjust the frequency accordingly.
- When There Are Changes in Staff or Premises
Any significant change in your business, such as moving to a new location or onboarding a large number of new employees, should prompt an additional fire drill. This ensures that everyone is familiar with the new environment and evacuation procedures.
- After Revising Your Evacuation Plan
If you update your fire evacuation plan or introduce new fire safety measures, it’s crucial to conduct a fire drill to test the effectiveness of these changes and ensure that employees are aware of the new procedures.
What Does the Law Say About Fire Drills in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, the Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) Act 2017 sets out specific requirements for businesses regarding fire evacuation schemes and drills.
If your building requires an approved evacuation scheme, you must conduct a trial evacuation at intervals of not more than six months. Failure to do so can result in penalties and puts your employees at risk in the event of an actual fire.
Tips for Effective Fire Drills
To maximise the effectiveness of your fire drills, consider the following tips:
Simulate Real Conditions: Conduct drills at different times and under varying conditions to prepare employees for any situation.
Involve Everyone: Ensure all employees, including those with disabilities, participate in fire drills. Assign roles such as fire wardens and ensure they are well-trained.
Review and Improve: After each drill, review what went well and identify areas for improvement. Use feedback to refine your evacuation plan.
Document Everything: Keep records of all fire drills, including the date, time, and any issues identified. This documentation can be essential for compliance and future reference.
Communicate Clearly: Before each drill, remind employees of the importance of the exercise. After the drill, communicate the results and any changes to procedures.
Regular fire drills are a vital part of your business’s fire safety strategy. By conducting drills at least every six months – or more frequently in high-risk environments – you ensure that your employees are prepared to respond swiftly and safely in the event of a fire. Remember, fire drills are not just about ticking a compliance box – they are about protecting lives and ensuring that your workplace remains safe and secure.
Partnering with a fire protection and evacuation specialist such as Evacs R Us can help ensure your fire drills are effective and that your business meets all legal requirements in New Zealand. Don’t wait for an emergency to find out if your fire drill procedures are up to standard – make regular fire drills a priority in your safety program.