Fire Safety Drill
A procedure for planning, conducting, and reviewing fire evacuation drills to ensure all workers can safely evacuate the workplace in the event of a fire emergency.
Purpose
To test and reinforce emergency evacuation procedures, ensure workers are familiar with evacuation routes and assembly points, and identify deficiencies in the emergency plan.
Scope
Applies to all workers, contractors, and visitors present at the time of the drill. Covers all buildings, floors, and outdoor work areas. Aligned with AS 3745 Planning for emergencies in facilities.
Prerequisites
- Current Emergency Management Plan aligned with AS 3745
- Trained fire wardens and floor wardens in place for each area
- Functional fire detection and alarm systems tested and maintained
- Evacuation diagrams posted at required locations
Step-by-Step Procedure
Plan the Drill
Determine the drill date, scenario, and objectives. Coordinate with building management, fire wardens, and emergency services if required.
- 1.1Select a date and time — consider varying shifts and peak periods
- 1.2Define the drill scenario — full evacuation, partial evacuation, or specific area
- 1.3Confirm the drill will not interfere with critical operations or safety
- 1.4Notify key personnel — fire wardens, first aiders, reception
- Conduct at least one unannounced drill per year to test real-time response
Brief the Emergency Control Organisation
Brief all fire wardens and emergency response personnel on their roles, the drill scenario, and any specific objectives or observations to record.
- 2.1Confirm all warden positions are filled for the drill
- 2.2Review warden duties — search, guide, communicate, report
- 2.3Distribute observation checklists for wardens to record performance
- 2.4Confirm communication equipment is operational
Activate the Drill
Initiate the evacuation alarm and commence the drill. The Chief Warden assumes control and coordinates the evacuation.
- 3.1Activate the fire alarm system or use an alternative signal
- 3.2Chief Warden takes control and communicates via the warden intercom or radio
- 3.3Floor wardens commence their search and sweep procedures
- 3.4Direct occupants to evacuate via designated routes to assembly points
Conduct the Evacuation
All occupants evacuate the building following emergency procedures. Wardens guide, assist, and account for all persons.
- 4.1Occupants cease work, secure critical processes, and move to exits
- 4.2Floor wardens sweep their areas to confirm all persons have evacuated
- 4.3Wardens assist any persons with mobility limitations or requiring support
- 4.4Close doors and windows as each area is cleared
- Observe whether occupants use the correct exits and routes — note any confusion or bottlenecks
Account for All Persons at the Assembly Point
Conduct a headcount at the assembly point to confirm all occupants have been evacuated. Report the results to the Chief Warden.
- 5.1Floor wardens report their area status — all clear or missing persons
- 5.2Compare headcount against sign-in registers or access system data
- 5.3Report any unaccounted persons to the Chief Warden immediately
- 5.4Chief Warden confirms all areas are cleared and all persons accounted for
Declare the Drill Complete and Return to Work
The Chief Warden declares the drill complete and authorises occupants to return to the building.
- 6.1Make a public announcement that the drill is complete
- 6.2Authorise re-entry to the building
- 6.3Reset the fire alarm system and confirm it is operational
Debrief the Emergency Control Organisation
Conduct a debrief with all wardens and observers to review the drill performance, identify issues, and collect observation data.
- 7.1Collect observation checklists from all wardens
- 7.2Discuss what worked well and what needs improvement
- 7.3Record the total evacuation time and note any delays or bottlenecks
- 7.4Identify any equipment issues — alarms, communication, signage
Document and Report the Drill Results
Compile a formal drill report including timing, observations, issues, and recommendations. File the report and address any corrective actions.
- 8.1Compile all observations and data into the drill report template
- 8.2Record the total evacuation time and compare against the target
- 8.3Document corrective actions for any identified deficiencies
- 8.4File the report in the emergency management records
- 8.5Communicate key outcomes and improvements to all staff
Quality Checkpoints
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Expected Outcomes
Total time from alarm activation to all persons accounted for at the assembly point, measured against the building evacuation target
Percentage of drills where all persons are accounted for at the assembly point without discrepancies
Frequently Asked Questions
What training do fire wardens need?
Fire wardens should be trained in accordance with AS 3745. Training covers emergency procedures, evacuation techniques, use of fire extinguishers, warden communication, and assisting persons with disabilities. Training should be refreshed annually.
Do we need to notify the fire brigade before a drill?
If your fire alarm system is monitored and connected to the fire brigade, you must notify the monitoring company and fire services before conducting the drill to prevent an unnecessary emergency response.
How often should fire safety drills be conducted?
AS 3745 recommends at least one evacuation drill every 12 months. Many organisations conduct them every six months. High-risk or high-occupancy facilities should consider more frequent drills. Some state and territory regulations may specify minimum frequencies.
Do contractors and visitors need to participate in drills?
Yes. All persons present in the building at the time of the drill should participate in the evacuation. Visitors should be accounted for using the visitor register at the assembly point.
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