Product Overview

Summary: This Fire Safety and Egress Procedures Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical steps for preventing workplace fires and safely evacuating people when an emergency occurs. Designed for Australian workplaces, it aligns with WHS duties and building fire safety requirements so your team knows exactly what to do before, during and after a fire-related incident.

Fire is one of the most serious and time‑critical risks facing any workplace, from offices and retail spaces through to warehouses, schools, healthcare facilities and industrial sites. This Fire Safety and Egress Procedures SOP provides a structured, step‑by‑step framework for preventing fires where possible and managing them effectively when they occur. It clearly defines how alarms are raised, who does what, how people evacuate, and how to account for all occupants, including visitors, contractors and vulnerable persons, in line with Australian WHS and building fire safety obligations.

The procedure goes beyond a simple fire drill script. It integrates hazard identification, routine inspections of fire equipment, maintenance of clear egress routes, and communication protocols with emergency services. It also standardises how you train staff, brief new starters and contractors, and review performance after each drill or real event. By implementing this SOP, businesses can demonstrate due diligence, reduce confusion and panic in emergencies, and create a safer, more compliant workplace that is prepared for fire and smoke incidents at any time of day.

Key Benefits

• Ensure a fast, coordinated and safe evacuation during fire and smoke emergencies.
• Reduce the likelihood and impact of workplace fires through proactive prevention measures.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS legislation and building fire safety requirements.
• Standardise fire warden, ECO and staff roles so everyone knows their responsibilities under pressure.
• Improve training effectiveness through clear, repeatable drill procedures and post‑incident reviews.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Fire Wardens and Chief Wardens
• Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) Members
• Facilities and Building Managers
• Operations Managers
• Site Supervisors and Team Leaders
• HR and Training Managers
• School and Campus Administrators
• Aged Care and Healthcare Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Uncontrolled fire and smoke within buildings and structures
• Blocked or poorly marked emergency exits and egress routes
• Exposure to heat, flames and toxic smoke inhalation during evacuation
• Panic, crowd crush and slips, trips or falls during emergency movement
• Electrical fires from faulty equipment or overloaded circuits
• Inadequate accounting for occupants, leading to people left behind
• Delayed notification of emergency services and internal stakeholders
• Use of incorrect fire extinguishing methods for different fire classes

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Officers, Workers, ECO, Fire Wardens)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Fire Risk Identification and Prevention Measures
• 6.0 Fire Detection, Alarm and Communication Systems
• 7.0 Egress Route Management and Housekeeping Requirements
• 8.0 Emergency Evacuation Triggers and Decision‑Making Criteria
• 9.0 Step‑by‑Step Evacuation Procedure
• 10.0 Procedures for Assisting Visitors, Contractors and Vulnerable Persons
• 11.0 Use of Fire Extinguishers and Firefighting Equipment (First Attack Firefighting)
• 12.0 Assembly Area Management and Headcount Procedures
• 13.0 Communication with Emergency Services and Regulators
• 14.0 Post‑Incident and Post‑Drill Review, Reporting and Corrective Actions
• 15.0 Training, Induction and Fire Drill Requirements
• 16.0 Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Fire Safety Systems
• 17.0 Recordkeeping and Document Control
• 18.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and state/territory equivalents – emergency plans and evacuation
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• AS 3745: Planning for emergencies in facilities
• AS 1851: Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment
• National Construction Code (NCC) – Performance Requirements for fire safety and egress
• AS 2293.1: Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for buildings – System design, installation and operation