{"id":8371,"date":"2026-06-02T05:52:43","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T04:52:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/safetyfirst.ch\/how-to-organise-a-fire-evacuation-drill-in-the-workplace\/"},"modified":"2026-09-19T10:24:31","modified_gmt":"2026-09-19T09:24:31","slug":"how-to-organise-a-fire-evacuation-drill-in-the-workplace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/safetyfirst.ch\/en\/how-to-organise-a-fire-evacuation-drill-in-the-workplace\/","title":{"rendered":"How to organise a fire evacuation drill at your company?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><p>Table of contents<\/p><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#introduction\">Introduction<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#lexercice-devacuation-est-il-obligatoire-en-suisse\">Is an evacuation drill compulsory in Switzerland?<\/a><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#les-bases-legales\">Legal framework<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#quels-etablissements-sont-formellement-obliges\">Which establishments are formally required to conduct one?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#quels-etablissements-sont-fortement-recommandes\">Which establishments are strongly advised to conduct one?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#tableau-recapitulatif\">Summary table<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#combien-de-fois-par-an-faut-il-faire-un-exercice-devacuation\">How many times a year should an evacuation drill be conducted?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#comment-organiser-un-exercice-devacuation-incendie-guide-etape-par-etape\">How to organise a fire evacuation drill: step-by-step guide<\/a><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#etape-1-definir-les-objectifs-de-lexercice\">Step 1 \u2013 Define the objectives of the drill<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#etape-2-planifier-lexercice\">Step 2 \u2013 Plan the drill<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#etape-3-preparer-les-equipes\">Step 3 \u2013 Prepare the teams<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#etape-4-derouler-lexercice\">Step 4 \u2013 Conduct the drill<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#etape-5-debriefer-et-documenter\">Step 5 \u2013 Debrief and document<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#les-erreurs-frequentes-lors-dun-exercice-devacuation\">Common mistakes during an evacuation drill<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#checklist-preparer-votre-exercice-devacuation\">Checklist: preparing your evacuation drill<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#quand-faire-appel-a-un-prestataire-externe\">When should you call on an external provider?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#faq\">FAQ<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#sources-utiles\">Useful sources<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to organise a fire evacuation drill at your company?<\/h1>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A fire evacuation drill is compulsory<\/strong> for establishments that regularly receive external or vulnerable persons (care homes, hotels, nurseries, buildings accommodating &gt; 300 people) \u2013 legal basis: VKF fire protection directive 12-15, section 6.3, and OPA Art. 40 para. 2.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For office-based SMEs and warehouses, it is <strong>strongly recommended<\/strong> and may be ordered by the cantonal authority at any time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The standard frequency is <strong>once a year<\/strong> for most companies, and twice a year for high-risk establishments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A well-prepared drill takes place in 5 stages: define the objectives \u2192 plan \u2192 prepare the teams \u2192 conduct the drill \u2192 debrief and document.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Every drill must be recorded<\/strong> in the fire safety logbook (date, duration, participants, observations, corrective measures).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"introduction\">Introduction<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An evacuation drill takes 30 minutes. But it can save lives.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Switzerland, most SMEs have never organised a single fire evacuation drill. Yet VKF requirements and the OPA require one in many cases \u2013 and even where it is not formally compulsory, failing to conduct a drill may expose the employer to civil liability in the event of an incident.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide explains how to organise a <strong>fire evacuation drill at your company<\/strong> from A to Z: the legal framework, frequency, practical steps, mistakes to avoid and documentation.<\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"lexercice-devacuation-est-il-obligatoire-en-suisse\">Is an evacuation drill compulsory in Switzerland?<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"les-bases-legales\">Legal framework<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two main texts apply simultaneously.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>VKF Directive 12-15 (section 6.3)<\/strong> is explicit:<\/p>\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;The evacuation of buildings and other structures that regularly receive persons from outside the company or persons lacking decision-making capacity must be planned; it must be the subject of written instructions and practised by the establishment&#8217;s staff.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This directive <strong>has the force of law in all Swiss cantons<\/strong> through cantonal fire insurance legislation.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>OPA Art. 40 para. 2<\/strong> (Ordinance on the Prevention of Accidents, SR 832.30) requires employers to instruct workers at suitable intervals on evacuating people in danger, as well as rescue and firefighting measures. The CFST guide specifies that these organisational measures must be ensured in cooperation with the competent fire safety authority.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more information on the general legal framework, see our article on the legal obligations relating to <a href=\"https:\/\/safetyfirst.ch\/en\/catalogue-of-services\/fire-training-safety-equipment-and-instructions\/\">fire safety training<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"quels-etablissements-sont-formellement-obliges\">Which establishments are formally required to conduct one?<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Care homes, hospitals and care establishments<\/strong> (vulnerable persons or persons lacking decision-making capacity)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hotels and accommodation establishments<\/strong> with 20 or more guests<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Buildings that regularly receive people from outside the company<\/strong> (buildings open to the public: shops, restaurants, performance venues)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>High-rise buildings or buildings accommodating &gt; 300 people<\/strong> in one room<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"quels-etablissements-sont-fortement-recommandes\">Which establishments are strongly advised to conduct one?<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Office and service SMEs (&lt; 50 employees)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Warehouses and workshops<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any multi-storey building or building with a complex layout<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The cantonal authority (ECA Vaud, Geneva fire safety authority, etc.) may <strong>order a drill at any time<\/strong>, even for establishments not formally subject to this requirement.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tableau-recapitulatif\">Summary table<\/h3>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>Type of company<\/th><th>Requirement<\/th><th>Recommended frequency<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>Care home, hospital, nursery<\/td><td><strong>Compulsory<\/strong> (VKF 12-15, sec. 6.3)<\/td><td>At least twice a year<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hotel (\u2265 20 guests)<\/td><td><strong>Compulsory<\/strong><\/td><td>1\u20132 times a year<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Building open to the public (shop, restaurant, performance venue)<\/td><td><strong>Compulsory<\/strong><\/td><td>1\u20132 times a year<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Building accommodating &gt; 300 people<\/td><td><strong>Compulsory<\/strong><\/td><td>1\u20132 times a year<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Office \/ service SME<\/td><td>Strongly recommended<\/td><td>Once a year<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Warehouse \/ workshop<\/td><td>Strongly recommended<\/td><td>1\u20132 times a year<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>High-risk industry<\/td><td><strong>Compulsory<\/strong> depending on the activity<\/td><td>Twice a year<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"combien-de-fois-par-an-faut-il-faire-un-exercice-devacuation\">How many times a year should an evacuation drill be conducted?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The law refers to <strong>suitable intervals<\/strong> without setting a universal number. In practice, VKF requirements and the ECA Vaud guide converge on a clear standard.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>Type of operation<\/th><th>Recommended frequency<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>Standard office \/ SME<\/td><td>Once a year<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Care home, hospital, care establishment<\/td><td>At least twice a year<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hotel<\/td><td>1 to 2 times a year<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>High-risk industry<\/td><td>Twice a year<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Nursery, school<\/td><td>Twice a year (including 1 recommended unannounced drill)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Two situations call for an additional drill outside the regular schedule:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A large influx of new employees (significant staff turnover, opening of a new site)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After a fire-related incident or near miss at the company<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"comment-organiser-un-exercice-devacuation-incendie-guide-etape-par-etape\">How to organise a fire evacuation drill: step-by-step guide<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"etape-1-definir-les-objectifs-de-lexercice\">Step 1 \u2013 Define the objectives of the drill<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, ask yourself: <strong>what do you want to test?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most common objectives are:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Check that evacuation routes are usable and known<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Measure the total evacuation time to the assembly point<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assess the performance of the lead and sweep marshals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identify bottlenecks (difficult doors, obstructed corridors, lifts used by mistake)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Test the arrangements for assisting people with reduced mobility<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A drill without a defined objective is a failed drill.<\/strong> Write down your objectives before planning anything.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"etape-2-planifier-lexercice\">Step 2 \u2013 Plan the drill<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Choose the date and time<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are two possible approaches, and both are valid:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Busy period<\/strong>: tests real-life conditions (meetings in progress, deliveries, visitors on site)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Quiet period<\/strong>: easier to control for a first drill or after a team change<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Avoid holiday periods when a large part of the staff is absent \u2013 unless you specifically want to test how the system works with reduced staffing.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Announced or surprise drill?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th><\/th><th>Announced drill<\/th><th>Surprise drill<\/th><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Advantage<\/strong><\/td><td>Better team preparation, less stress<\/td><td>Tests actual reactions, more representative<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Disadvantage<\/strong><\/td><td>Artificial behaviour, less revealing<\/td><td>Risk of panic; reserved for teams that have already been trained<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Recommended for<\/strong><\/td><td>First drill, establishments with vulnerable persons<\/td><td>Annual assessment drills, experienced teams<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Inform the stakeholders<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before triggering the alarm, inform:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Management and the fire safety officer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The designated lead and sweep marshals (even for a surprise drill, they must be informed)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The building manager if you are not the owner<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The local fire brigade<\/strong> if the drill is complex or if your alarm is connected to an alarm receiving centre (CTA 118), to prevent an unnecessary response<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Check the existing fire evacuation plan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before the drill, make sure that:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>fire evacuation plan<\/strong> is up to date and displayed in the appropriate locations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evacuation routes are clear and signposted<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The assembly point is defined, known and accessible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lead and sweep marshals are designated for each area<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"etape-3-preparer-les-equipes\">Step 3 \u2013 Prepare the teams<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Designate and brief the lead and sweep marshals<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each area or floor must have a <strong>lead marshal<\/strong> (who leads occupants to the exit) and a <strong>sweep marshal<\/strong> (who brings up the rear, checks that no one remains behind and closes the doors).<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Give them a written <strong>role sheet<\/strong> specifying:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The area for which they are responsible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The evacuation route to follow<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The assigned assembly point<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The headcount procedure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Identify people requiring assistance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">List employees with reduced mobility, regular visitors with disabilities and areas where people could be isolated (soundproof meeting room, noisy workshop). Designate a person responsible for assisting them in each case.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Prepare the drill equipment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stopwatch (or watch)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Up-to-date attendance list for the headcount at the assembly point<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Observation checklist for recording malfunctions in real time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"etape-4-derouler-lexercice\">Step 4 \u2013 Conduct the drill<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Trigger the alarm<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use the building&#8217;s actual alarm if possible \u2013 this is the signal employees need to learn to recognise. If the alarm is connected to a monitoring centre, notify it before triggering the alarm.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Time the evacuation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start the stopwatch as soon as the alarm is triggered. Stop it when the <strong>last occupant<\/strong> reaches the assembly point and the headcount is complete. A benchmark evacuation time for a standard-sized office building is between 3 and 8 minutes \u2013 but the objective is not to break a record; it is to identify bottlenecks.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Observe behaviour<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Position observers at strategic points:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>At the point where the alarm is triggered (behaviour of the simulated first witness)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In corridors and stairways (flow, bottlenecks, incorrect reactions)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At the assembly point (arrival time, headcount, organisation)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Record everything: people who use the lift, those who turn back to collect their belongings, fire doors that are held open and obstructed corridors.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Check the headcount at the assembly point<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sweep marshal for each area submits their count to the assembly point coordinator. <strong>Everyone must be accounted for.<\/strong> If someone is missing, the search procedure must be initiated \u2013 even during a drill.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"etape-5-debriefer-et-documenter\">Step 5 \u2013 Debrief and document<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Immediate debriefing meeting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bring the lead marshals, sweep marshals and observers together <strong>within 30 minutes of the drill<\/strong>, while their observations are still fresh. Discuss:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What worked well (to recognise and maintain)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The improvement areas identified (without looking for someone to blame)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The corrective actions to be implemented, with an assigned person and deadline<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Record the drill in the fire safety logbook<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">VKF Directive 12-15 and the ECA Vaud guide explicitly recommend recording every drill. Your logbook should contain:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Date and time of the drill<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Number of participants present<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Total evacuation time<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scenario selected (announced \/ surprise, location of the simulated fire)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Main observations (positive points and malfunctions)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Corrective measures decided, with deadline and person responsible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>This document is your proof of compliance<\/strong> in the event of an inspection by the cantonal ECA or in the event of an incident.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Plan the corrective actions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every malfunction identified must lead to a concrete action: clearing an obstructed corridor, replacing illegible signage or retraining an ineffective lead marshal. Set realistic deadlines and check that the measures have been implemented before the next drill.<\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"les-erreurs-frequentes-lors-dun-exercice-devacuation\">Common mistakes during an evacuation drill<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Always announcing the drill \u2013 never conducting a surprise drill<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A drill that is always announced tests theory, not actual reactions. After two or three successful announced drills, include at least one unannounced drill in each two-year cycle.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Neglecting the headcount at the assembly point<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The evacuation does not end when everyone has left the building. It ends when <strong>everyone has been accounted for<\/strong>. Without a headcount, you will never know whether someone is trapped inside.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Lead marshals who have not been briefed or designated<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Designating lead marshals on paper is not enough. If they have not received their role sheet, do not know the route or are absent on the day, the drill reveals a real organisational gap \u2013 useful, but avoidable with proper preparation.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Forgetting people with reduced mobility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the most serious mistake. In a real emergency, a wheelchair user on the third floor without a defined assistance procedure is in danger. Identify these situations before the drill and test the procedure.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. Triggering the alarm without notifying the fire brigade<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your alarm system is connected to an alarm receiving centre (CTA 118), an unreported activation may result in the fire brigade being called out. Always notify the monitoring centre before starting a drill.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. Failing to document the drill \u2013 or documenting it afterwards<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A logbook completed from memory one week after the drill has no evidentiary value. Take notes in real time during the drill and complete the logbook within 24 hours.<\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"checklist-preparer-votre-exercice-devacuation\">Checklist: preparing your evacuation drill<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use this list directly for your next drill.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Before the drill<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Drill objectives defined in writing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Date, time and type of drill (announced \/ surprise) decided<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fire evacuation plan checked and up to date<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evacuation routes clear and signage checked<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assembly point defined and known to everyone<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lead and sweep marshals designated and briefed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Role sheets provided to each person responsible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>List of people requiring assistance prepared<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Person responsible for assisting people with reduced mobility designated<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fire brigade or alarm receiving centre notified if necessary<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Up-to-date attendance list available for the headcount<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Observers positioned at strategic points<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stopwatch ready<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>During the drill<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Alarm triggered (actual signal if possible)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stopwatch started when the alarm was triggered<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Behaviour observed and recorded in real time<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Headcount completed at the assembly point<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stopwatch stopped once the headcount was complete<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>After the drill<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Debriefing meeting held within 30 minutes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Positive points and areas for improvement listed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Corrective actions defined with a person responsible and deadline<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fire safety logbook completed (date, duration, participants, observations)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Next drill scheduled<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"quand-faire-appel-a-un-prestataire-externe\">When should you call on an external provider?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Organising an evacuation drill yourself is entirely possible for a standard SME. However, certain situations justify involving a professional.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Call on an external provider if:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You want a <strong>company fire simulation<\/strong> involving real smoke, obstacles or simulated casualties \u2013 this type of drill requires specific equipment and coordination with emergency services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your establishment accommodates <strong>vulnerable persons<\/strong> (care homes, nurseries, hospitals): the stakes are too high for improvisation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You need an <strong>expert report<\/strong> and a certificate recognised by the cantonal authorities or your insurer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your team has never conducted a drill: a first drill supervised by an expert helps establish the right foundations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For this type of professional drill with an expert report, discover our <a href=\"https:\/\/safetyfirst.ch\/en\/catalogue-of-services\/building-evacuation-training\/\">professional fire evacuation training<\/a> and our dedicated page on <a href=\"https:\/\/safetyfirst.ch\/en\/catalogue-of-services\/fire-training-safety-equipment-and-instructions\/fire-safety-and-evacuation-training-in-lausanne-and-the-canton-of-vaud\/\">fire safety training in Lausanne <\/a>and the canton of Vaud.<\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faq\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Is an evacuation drill compulsory for all Swiss companies?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No, not for all of them. VKF Directive 12-15 (section 6.3) requires evacuation drills in buildings that regularly receive people from outside the company or vulnerable persons (care homes, hotels, buildings open to the public, buildings accommodating &gt; 300 people). For office-based SMEs and warehouses, a drill is strongly recommended and may be ordered by the cantonal authority. OPA Art. 40 para. 2 requires every employer to instruct their staff on evacuation at suitable intervals.<br \/>See our article on the subject: <a href=\"https:\/\/safetyfirst.ch\/en\/is-fire-safety-training-mandatory-in-switzerland\/\">Legal obligations relating to fire safety training?<\/a> <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Should the fire brigade be notified before an evacuation drill?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, if your alarm system is connected to an alarm receiving centre (CTA 118). An unreported activation may result in the fire brigade being called out. For complex drills (smoke simulation, obstacles), coordination with the local fire brigade is recommended even if your alarm is not connected to a monitoring centre.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How long does an evacuation drill last?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The drill itself generally lasts between 10 and 20 minutes. Including preparation, activation, the headcount at the assembly point and the immediate debriefing, allow <strong>45 minutes to 1 hour<\/strong> in total for a well-conducted drill.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Who should organise the evacuation drill in a company?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the employer&#8217;s responsibility, generally <a href=\"https:\/\/safetyfirst.ch\/en\/fire-safety-officer-in-switzerland-role-obligations-and-training\/\">delegated to the fire safety officer (BSI)<\/a> or the HR manager \/ facility manager. In SMEs without a designated BSI, the company director or administrative manager assumes this role. The important thing is for someone to be formally designated and given the necessary resources.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Does an evacuation drill need to be documented?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, this is essential. VKF Directive 12-15 and the ECA Vaud guide explicitly recommend recording every drill in a fire safety logbook: date, participants, duration, scenario, observations and corrective measures. This document is your proof of compliance in the event of an inspection or incident.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Can you conduct a surprise evacuation drill?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, and it is even recommended once teams have been trained. A surprise drill tests actual reactions and reveals shortcomings that announced drills do not show. For a first drill or in an establishment with vulnerable persons, start with an announced drill and then gradually introduce unannounced drills.<\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"sources-utiles\">Useful sources<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fedlex.admin.ch\/eli\/cc\/1983\/1968_1968_1968\/fr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">OPA Art. 40 para. 2 \u2013 Fedlex (SR 832.30)<\/a> \u2013 Official text of the Ordinance on the Prevention of Accidents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/guide.cfst.ch\/survol-des-directives\/organisation-du-travail\/lutte-contre-le-feu\/instruction-des-travailleurs-sur-la-conduite-a-observer-en-cas-d_incendie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CFST guide \u2013 Instruction of workers in the event of fire<\/a> \u2013 Official commentary on OPA Art. 40 para. 2<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bsvonline.ch\/fr\/prescriptions-de-protection-incendie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VKF \u2013 Fire protection regulations (bsvonline.ch)<\/a> \u2013 VKF Directive 12-15 and applicable requirements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ge.ch\/gerer-demarches-protection-incendie\/lois-reglements\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Geneva \u2013 Fire protection laws and regulations (ge.ch)<\/a> \u2013 LPSSP and implementing regulations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An evacuation drill takes 30 minutes. But it can save lives. This guide explains how to organise a fire evacuation drill at your company<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":8372,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[310],"tags":[],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-8371","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fire-prevention-and-response"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/safetyfirst.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8371","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/safetyfirst.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/safetyfirst.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safetyfirst.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safetyfirst.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8371"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/safetyfirst.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8371\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8514,"href":"https:\/\/safetyfirst.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8371\/revisions\/8514"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safetyfirst.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8372"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/safetyfirst.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8371"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safetyfirst.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8371"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safetyfirst.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8371"},{"taxonomy":"post_folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/safetyfirst.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_folder?post=8371"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}