Places of public accommodation can refer to various types of facilities, but are most commonly associated with commercial-type facilities. When planning for evacuation, you will want to find the fastest route out of your building.

If you manage a mixed-use property, however, evacuation may be more difficult if rules and procedures are not followed; you need to make sure that all your retail and office space tenants and guests are aware of the proper evacuation routes. While no one looks forward to an emergency, preparation is a necessity. Having a comprehensive plan in place will make the evacuation process easier.

We asked our EvacuationPlans.com regulations compliance manager for emergency evacuation planning tips for your commercial building. Here’s what he had to share: 

  • When you are planning your evacuation routes, you will need to account for all the individuals in your commercial facility. Make sure the routes will work for each person’s location. Look at your legal codes, which outline the standards for your particular building’s fire evacuation plan. There are two that you will need to look at in particular—(in order of priority) International Fire and Building Codes (I-Codes), then federal OSHA laws. Prioritizing the requirements in the I-Codes will effectively accomplish all the substantive requirements of federal law. (See 29 CFR § 1910.35. OSHA laws relate to the employer’s obligations for the workplace environment, so different factors are reviewed.) 
  • EvacuationPlans.com works with specific commercial groups, as defined by the International Building Code. In such instances, the International Fire Code (IFC) explains the substance and procedure that defines a compliant evacuation plan. Section 403.8 of the IFC directs the planner to section 404 for the enumerated list of egress plan requirements. By having a comprehensive understanding of what is required for an egress plan, you can ensure that your evacuation plan will include all the necessary requirements.  
  • Your Evacuation Plan drawing is foundational to your overall Life Safety plan and while your building’s evacuation maps should be displayed in an easily locatable area, you will also need additional maps just for your employees. Federal OSHA laws apply here. At 29 CFR §1910.38(b), Emergency Action Plans, you will find the requirements for facility actions in the event of a fire emergency. For example, facilities require these diagrams to include primary and secondary routes in relation to the floor level and general facility. While these evacuation plans may be the same as your other evacuation plans, they would be located in employee areas, such as break rooms.
  • Ensure all the relevant components of your building are cited within the evacuation signage, including stairwells, fire extinguishers, and areas of refuge. The accuracy of evacuation diagrams will help facilitate a smooth evacuation from your building during an emergency. Good evacuation diagrams are paramount! They are current, accurate illustrations of each floor level from the perspective of where the diagram is located. Additionally, mount egress routes in a location that is clearly visible for the reader. Notwithstanding hotels and college dormitories, federal and state building codes do not state mounting locations specifically —but don’t worry, our artisans at EvacuationPlans.com are experienced in addressing these challenges! We will work with you to figure out any logical nuances and produce your facility’s evacuation diagrams.

Allow us at EvacuationPlans.com to help you address your emergency evacuation plans today. For your convenience, we have streamlined the evacuation plans process—simply submit your facility blueprints or floor plans. We then create a mock-up, marking exit areas and pull alarms, and indicating the quickest exit routes. With your approval, we will then produce your facility’s custom evacuation plans at our Chattanooga, TN production facility. We are confident that each of our signs is and covered by unparalleled guarantees, including our Life-of-the-Building and ADA Compliance guarantees.

Ensure your commercial facility is prepared for an emergency today—call us at 833.917.1131 or email us at emailus@evacuationplans.com and trust our sign experts at EvacuationPlans.com to help equip your building.