Building Evacuation Procedures and Evacuation Schemes

What Type of Evacuation Plans are Required?

Under the Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fire Safety, Evacuation Procedures, and Evacuation Schemes) Regulations 2018, two types of evacuation plans are required for buildings:

• Evacuation Procedures
• Evacuation Schemes

Who Needs an Evacuation Procedure?

Most buildings used by the public MUST have an evacuation procedure in place.

A full list of buildings that require an evacuation procedure can be found in the Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fire Safety, Evacuation Procedures, and Evacuation Schemes) Regulations 2018 (LI 2018/96) (as at 20 April 2023) – New Zealand Legislation.

What is a Relevant Building?

A Relevant building as defined by the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017 No 17 (as at 01 July 2024), Public Act 75 Relevant building defined for purposes of sections 76 to 79 – New Zealand Legislation - for the legislation please click here.

Exemptions from Evacuation Schemes

The owners of Buildings not required to provide or maintain an evacuation scheme are detailed by the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017 No 17 (as at 01 July 2024), Public Act – New Zealand Legislation. Click here.

Even if exempt, evacuation procedures MUST still be in place.

What is an Evacuation Scheme?

An evacuation scheme is a more comprehensive plan, submitted to Fire and Emergency NZ for approval.

It must include:

• The building's evacuation procedure
• Fire action signage
• Firefighting equipment details
• Places of safety and routes
• Sprinkler system descriptions
• Alarm or warning systems
• Provisions for people needing assistance
• A maintenance plan (via trial evacuations or training)

Who is Responsible for Building Evacuation Planning?

Building owners are legally responsible for taking fire safety precautions in their buildings. This includes implementing fire evacuation procedures to ensure people can be evacuated in the case of a fire or alarm of a fire.

How Can SafeWay Help?

We can support you with:

• Preparing your draft application form(s)
• Applying for application for approval
• Maintaining your scheme (trial evacuations or staff training)

Planning Process

1. When we receive your initial enquiry, we'll discuss your requirements and ask some questions about your site.
2. We'll arrange a site visit to assess risks, building size, occupancy, location, and plan complexity. After the visit, we’ll provide a written quote.
3. If you choose to proceed, a 50% deposit is required to begin work.
4. We will develop a draft evacuation plan. Additional information or further site visits may be required depending on the complexity.
5. Once the draft is complete, we’ll submit it to FENZ for approval.
6. After FENZ's approval, the final payment is due within 7 days.
7. Any ongoing scheme maintenance (e.g., trial evacuations, staff training) is charged at an hourly rate.
8. Any additional items - such as evacuation signs, warden identification, or travel costs - will be itemised in your quote.

If you're looking for an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) for hazardous substances, please click here.

Pricing

Pricing depends on building size, occupancy, location, and plan complexity. Here's an indication:

Email us NOW to get started