Escape route checksheet

Once you’ve identified a passageway as an escape route, it’s vital to keep it clear, easily identifiable and useable. This should involve weekly formal checks in addition to more frequent visual inspections.

Why and how to use the form

Ensuring escape routes are kept clear at all times can be difficult to achieve. The temptation is to use the route for the temporary storage of stock etc., but if you allow this, it could make the evacuation of your building more difficult. There are other hazards which can also hamper escape. For example, external routes may become slippery, fire exits can become jammed, fire doors can be wedged open (potentially exposing the route to smoke and flames) and signs can be obstructed. To ensure this doesn’t happen you should carry out two types of inspection. The first is a regular (usually daily) visual check. This doesn’t require documentation unless a problem is identified and action is required. The second is a more formal documented check, which should be carried out on a weekly basis. This inspection should be recorded on our Escape Route Checksheet. Use one copy of the form per calendar month and keep it in the “record book” section of your fire file.

What’s covered?

The checksheet has space for weekly checks to be ticked off and any remedial actions to be noted in the action plan. It includes: routes being kept clear of obstructions and combustibles, exit doors operating correctly, fire doors being kept shut, escape signage, emergency lighting, escape stairs, smoking rules, and the condition of surfaces and door