Escape and rescue plans play a key role in ensuring safety in workplaces. In an emergency, they help people to find the quickest route to the outside or to first aid facilities and fire extinguishers.
But where should escape and rescue plans be displayed so that they fulfill their purpose in the best possible way? The workplace regulation ASR A2.3 “Escape routes and emergency exits, escape and rescue plan” provides clear guidelines on this, which are explained in more detail in this article.
Where must escape and rescue plans be displayed?
The requirements of ASR A2.3
Escape and rescue plans must be displayed in work areas where they are necessary for the safety of the people present. This requirement is based on section 10 paragraph 1 of ASR A2.3. The plans must be displayed in places that are easily accessible and clearly visible to everyone.
Suitable areas for escape and rescue plans
ASR A2.3 lists specific locations where escape and rescue plans can be particularly useful. These places are located along escape routes or in areas with high pedestrian traffic. These include
- In front of elevators: Elevators may often not be used in an emergency. The plans at these points make it easier to find alternative escape routes such as stairs.
- In entrance areas: Visitors and employees can familiarize themselves with the escape routes as soon as they enter the workplace.
- In front of stairways: Stairs are among the most important escape routes. The plans illustrate direct access to emergency exits.
- At intersections of traffic routes: Areas where many traffic routes intersect are ideal locations. Orientation is made easier here as the plans are available at a central point.
Correct positioning
The orientation of the escape and rescue plan must match the actual surroundings of the observer. ASR A2.3 refers to this as correct positioning. When viewing the plan, the direction of escape shown should correspond exactly to the actual conditions.
For example, if an emergency exit is on the right, it should also be on the right in the surrounding area. This measure facilitates orientation and ensures that no valuable time is lost.
Why placement is crucial.
The optimal positioning of escape and rescue plans saves lives in an emergency. In emergency situations such as a fire or power failure, there is often little time to make decisions. People who panic need clear, immediately recognizable instructions. Placed in strategic locations, the plans fulfill this function perfectly.
Especially in places with high public traffic and on escape routes, the plans ensure that:
- information is quickly accessible,
- everyone can find their way around,
- escape routes are clearly and comprehensibly displayed.
Where must escape plans be displayed? Practical tips
The requirements of ASR A2.3 can be easily implemented with a few practical measures. Regularly checking the escape and rescue plans ensures that they are always up to date and easy to read. Such a check is particularly essential in large workplaces or when changes are made to the building structure.
The correct positioning of the plans also plays a key role. They should be placed at eye level so that they can be easily read. In addition, it is important to provide additional orientation aids such as directional arrows or emergency exit signs to increase the effectiveness of the plans.
Employees should also be regularly informed about the contents of the plans. Training is a good opportunity to familiarize staff with the escape routes and emergency exits. This ensures that everyone is well prepared in the event of an emergency and that the plans are fully effective.
We support you
The installation of escape and rescue plans in accordance with ASR A2.3 is an indispensable part of effective emergency management. Strategically favorable locations such as entrance areas, stairways or intersections are ideal for ensuring orientation in an emergency. The correct positioning ensures that people can act quickly in emergency situations.
As a specialist company in preventive fire protection, we are happy to support you with the correct positioning of your escape and rescue plans. Our CAD experts will advise you nationwide and ensure that your plans are professionally created and optimally positioned.
Contact us to take safety in your company to the next level.
