The safety of employees, guests and visitors in various facilities is a key concern.
Legal regulations therefore define precise requirements for escape and rescue plans. The following explains the detailed legal principles that answer when and under what circumstances an escape and rescue plan is required.
When is an escape and rescue plan required? The answers!
Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV)
The Workplace Ordinance defines basic safety requirements for workplaces. Employers are obliged to keep traffic routes, escape routes and emergency exits clear at all times. This ensures that employees can get to safety immediately in the event of danger.
The ordinance stipulates that escape and rescue plans must be drawn up if the location, extent or type of workplace requires this.
ASR A2.3 “Escape routes and emergency exits”
The technical rules for workplaces specify the requirements for escape and rescue plans. Plans are particularly important in areas with
- complex routing
- a high proportion of people unfamiliar with the area
- or increased potential hazards.
These include, for example, workplaces with unclear escape routes, facilities with public traffic or areas with potential hazards such as explosion or fire risks.
Model Accommodation Facilities Ordinance (MBeVO)
Particularly detailed regulations apply to accommodation facilities. Escape route plans and instructions must be displayed in every accommodation room. The aim of the regulations is to enable guests to find their way quickly and safely in the event of danger. Behavioral instructions should also be written in foreign languages, taking into account the origin of the usual guests.
Good to know: Facilities with more than 60 beds are required to have comprehensive fire safety regulations and fire department plans. In addition, employees must be regularly trained in rescue measures, especially for people with disabilities.
Model Ordinance on Places of Assembly
An escape and rescue plan is always required in places of assembly. They are also subject to strict safety requirements. Fire department plans must be drawn up in agreement with the fire protection authority. There are also special requirements for seating and escape route plans. It must show the following elements at a scale of at least 1:200:
- Seating and standing areas
- wheelchair spaces
- Stage, scene or performance areas
- Route of the escape routes
Good to know: If there are different seating options, a separate plan must be drawn up for each one!
Legal consequences
Violations of these regulations can be considered an administrative offense. This includes blocking escape routes, obstructing doors or failing to display rescue plans.
Working together for greater safety
Escape and rescue plans are far more than a bureaucratic compulsory exercise. They are an essential part of occupational safety and fire protection that can save lives. Careful planning, regular training and consistent implementation are crucial for the safety of people in various facilities.
Our CAD experts will be happy to support you in creating escape and rescue plans in accordance with legal requirements.
