A fire drill is the only way to find out whether people in your office actually know how to get out safely. Alarms that nobody recognises, blocked exits and a missing headcount are common problems that a short, well-run drill exposes before a real emergency does. This guide gives a simple plan any office, shop or small factory can follow.
1. Start with an evacuation plan
- Mark every exit, staircase and alternative route on a floor plan
- Put up evacuation route maps near lifts, staircases and main corridors
- Choose an assembly point in open space, away from the building and from vehicle movement
- Note where fire extinguishers, hose reels, alarm call points and first-aid kits are kept
- Plan for visitors and for people who need assistance, such as those with limited mobility
The fire and life safety requirements for buildings in India are set out in Part 4 of the National Building Code, and your building’s fire safety certificate is issued by the local fire service. Our guide to fire safety NOC for commercial buildings in Rajasthan explains that process.
2. Appoint fire wardens
Name at least one fire warden and a deputy for each floor or work area, so a warden is present on every shift. Wardens sweep their area, check washrooms and meeting rooms, guide people to exits, stop anyone from using lifts and report to the incident controller at the assembly point.
3. Running the drill
- Brief the management and building security in advance; decide whether staff will be told the date
- Inform the building management or neighbouring units so the alarm does not cause confusion
- Sound the alarm and start a stopwatch
- Wardens sweep their areas while everyone walks, without running, to the assembly point
- Take a headcount against the day’s attendance and visitor register
- Record the time taken to clear the building and any problems seen
4. Train people to use extinguishers
Hands-on practice gives people confidence. Show the type of extinguisher kept in each area and explain which fires it is suitable for. A common way to remember the steps is PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle and Sweep from side to side. Staff should fight only a small, early fire and only if they have a clear escape route behind them; otherwise they should leave and call the fire service on 101 or the emergency number 112.
5. After the drill
- Hold a short debrief with wardens and security
- List what went wrong, for example a locked exit, an alarm not heard in one area or people stopping to collect belongings
- Assign each fix to a person with a date
- Check that extinguishers are serviced, signs are visible and emergency lights work
- Keep the drill record with your safety files
Repeat drills regularly, after any change in layout and when many new employees join. Many organisations run them at least twice a year. Facility teams can schedule these along with maintenance work; see our annual maintenance contract guide and the industrial safety compliance checklist. For new construction and fit-outs, ATTPL Infra plans exits and services from the start.
Frequently asked questions
Should employees be told about a drill in advance?
For the first drill, an announced drill helps people learn the routes calmly. Later drills can be unannounced so you see how people really react.
Should lifts be used during evacuation?
No. Unless a lift is specifically designed and designated for evacuation, people should use the stairs.
Who keeps the headcount?
Usually the incident controller or HR, using the attendance and visitor records. An electronic attendance system makes this quicker.
Need help with facility safety planning? Contact ATTPL HOLDCO.
Sources
- Bureau of Indian Standards: National Building Code of India
- Directorate General Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards
- National Disaster Management Authority
This article is general information, not professional advice. Fire safety rules depend on the building and local authority; please check with your fire safety consultant and the local fire service.
