This guideline outlines best practices for developing Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans for individuals with physical disability, ensuring their safety and compliance with relevant Australian legislation and standards.
A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) is an individualised strategy developed collaboratively with a person with disability to ensure safe evacuation in the event of an emergency. It outlines specific procedures, support needs, routes, equipment, and responsibilities required for the person to safely evacuate or reach a place of refuge.
A PEEP is required for employees who may need assistance in the event of an emergency due to:
• Mobility impairment
• Hearing impairment
• Visual impairment
• Cognitive impairment
• Temporary condition (medical condition or short-term injury)
The document provides a framework to guide the planning and provision of emergency evacuation of a person with an assistance need.
Australian organisations have clear legal obligations regarding PEEPs under multiple pieces of legislation. The Disability Discrimination Act requires reasonable adjustments to ensure employees with disabilities can evacuate safely, whilst Work Health and Safety legislation mandates inclusive emergency planning for all workers.
Under Section 104E of the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990, building occupiers must maintain a fire and evacuation plan and provide adequate instructions for all persons’ safety during an emergency.
Section 17 of the Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 requires arrangements to evacuate persons with special needs, including people with disability, to designated assembly areas.
Australian Standard 3745-2010 ‘Planning for emergencies in facilities’ recommends the creation of individual emergency evacuation plans tailored to persons requiring assistance.
Creating a PEEP should be a collaborative process involving the person with disability, their direct manager, the safety team, and designated evacuation assistants. Each PEEP must account for the unique features of the building, availability of safe routes, and any required equipment. A separate PEEP may be required for each location where the person regularly works.
1. Assess the individual’s needs. Determine the nature of support required, mobility assistance, sensory accommodations, or communication supports.
2. Notification methods. Ensure alerts can be received via accessible formats (e.g., visual alarms, vibration, personal alerts).
3. Evacuation assistants. Assign trained buddies who can support the evacuation process. Ensure cover if assistants are absent.
4. Escape routes. Identify primary and alternative routes, ensuring they are accessible and unobstructed.
5. Temporary refuge. Identify any refuge areas where individuals can wait safely if immediate evacuation is not possible.
6. Equipment. List any assistive devices (e.g., evacuation chairs) and ensure they are readily available, and staff are trained.
7. Training and drills. Test the plan during regular drills. Provide orientation for all involved.
8. Communication. Ensure all instructions are provided in accessible formats (e.g., large print, easy read).
PEEPs should be reviewed every six months or when there is a significant change in the individual’s condition, workplace, or building layout. Copies should be held securely by the person with disability, designated assistants, and the Building Warden. Changes to the plan should be communicated promptly to all parties involved.
Use the accompanying PEEP template to document the individual’s emergency evacuation plan. Complete all fields in consultation with the person with disability and relevant safety personnel. Keep records of reviews and updates to ensure the plan remains current and effective.