Escape and rescue plans are an indispensable part of every facility's safety strategy. They serve to provide orientation in an emergency and protect the lives of employees, visitors and residents.
But how often do escape and rescue plans need to be reviewed and updated to ensure maximum safety? In this article, we look at the legal basis and best practices for updating escape and rescue plans.
Why do escape and rescue plans need to be up to date?
An outdated escape and rescue plan can do more harm than good in an emergency. Changes in the building structure, new specifications or the installation of new technical systems require the plans to be updated.
This is the only way to ensure that all relevant escape and rescue information is correct and clearly accessible in an emergency.
How often do escape and rescue plans need to be updated?
The escape and rescue plans should be reviewed regularly to ensure that they are up to date. A precise time period for reviewing and updating is not specified by law.
Instead, it is the responsibility of the company or facility to determine a suitable time frame in collaboration with qualified service providers and taking into account all legal and technical innovations.
Recommendation: Update escape and rescue plans every 2 years
As a best practice, it is recommended to have the escape plans checked by a competent person - so-called CAD experts - at least every 2 years. This expert can ensure that the plans comply with current structural conditions and the latest legal requirements.
Shorter intervals may also be advisable, particularly in sectors with frequent changes or complex building structures.
What are typical triggers for updating escape and rescue plans?
In addition to the regular inspection, there are certain occasions that require the escape and rescue plans to be updated immediately:
- Remodelling work or structural changes: Any structural change that could affect escape routes requires the escape and rescue plans to be updated. This applies in particular to the reorganisation of rooms, corridors or emergency exits.
- New legal regulations: As soon as legal framework conditions change, the plans must be adapted accordingly. This applies to national as well as regional and municipal regulations on structural requirements, safety standards and safety labelling.
- Installation of new technical systems: Whether sprinkler systems or fire alarm systems - any new or modified technical system can affect the escape routes and must therefore be taken into account in the plans. The expansion of existing systems may also require adaptation.
We support you
Escape and rescue plans must be kept up to date at all times. A review every two years by a competent person is a tried and tested procedure.
Our experienced CAD experts will be happy to advise you on how often your escape and rescue plans should be checked. We will also be happy to update your plans for you - anywhere in Germany.
