The assembly point is the local destination when evacuating a building or site.
We will show you how it is labelled, who is responsible and what generally needs to be observed at an assembly point.
The assembly point sign
At work, at school, at the airport or even at the stadium, everyone has probably seen the assembly point sign. A large square green sign with four white arrows pointing to the centre of two complete persons and the head of a third person. The assembly point sign (E007) is internationally agreed and must comply with ISO 7010.
By the way: Square green signs with white lettering mean no danger. They are used for first aid, emergency exits and the assembly point (ASR A1.5, Para. 5 Markings).
Organisation at the assembly point
The assembly point is part of organisational fire protection. It is a safe place; people should leave the scene of the fire calmly and quickly and go to the assembly point.
Supervisors, occupational safety specialists, fire safety officers and safety officers have a duty to check the presence of people from the fire area at the assembly point.
Employer is responsible
The employer is responsible for quickly bringing all employees to safety in the event of an alarm, as stipulated by the regulations for fire protection and occupational safety (§4 ArbStättV, §9 Para. 3 and 10 ArbSchG). This also includes the assembly point. The need for an assembly point is determined on the basis of a risk assessment.
It should be located at a level place that can be easily reached via the escape and rescue routes out of the building - also for people with limited mobility.
Important: All other routes that are not obstructed for the emergency services or general traffic.
Answers
What is the difference between a assembly site and a assembly point?
The assembly point is the official designation of sign E007 according to ASR A1.3. The place where this assembly point sign is placed is called the assembly site.
When is an assembly point necessary? Is there an obligation to have an assembly point?
The employer is obliged to ensure the protection and safety of the workforce (§4 ArbStättV, §9 para. 3 and 10 ArbSchG). Whether an assembly point is necessary can be determined on the basis of a risk assessment.
Is it possible to set up a collection point somewhere on the site?
A collection site / assembly point should preferably be on a level and paved surface. On the one hand, it must be a safe distance from the danger area or building, on the other hand, it must be easily accessible via escape and rescue routes. In addition, access and exit routes, the movement area for emergency forces as well as general traffic routes must remain free.
Does a assembly point have to be illuminated?
Whether lighting is necessary is determined by the risk assessment. This is carried out by the employer to determine whether an assembly point is necessary and what requirements must be met.
What must be taken into account when labelling?
Assembly points must be marked with the assembly point sign. The sign must be in the field of vision and must not be obscured by trees or similar. The size of the sign depends on the area of the assembly point. It must also be included in the escape and rescue plans.
Is there a parking ban at the assembly point?
Whether an assembly point may also be used as a parking area should be determined by the risk assessment. The assembly point must be large enough that, in addition to parked vehicles, all evacuated persons can safely reach it and remain there for counting or medical care.
How often must an evacuation drill be carried out?
Evacuation drills should be carried out at regular intervals, no fixed period is defined (§ 10 ArbSchG, §4 para. 4 ArbStättV, ASR A2.3). Since there are always new people coming into the company, we generally recommend that an evacuation exercise be carried out annually.
Need a safe assembly point in the event of a fire?
If you are unsure whether you need an assembly point or whether it still meets current requirements, we will be happy to help you.
