PEEPs – Are You Meeting Your Fire Safety Duties?
- Mark Ardron
- Oct 3
- 2 min read

When it comes to fire safety, a generic evacuation plan is not enough. Every building is different, and so are the people inside it. If your premises are used by individuals with mobility challenges, visual or hearing impairments, or any additional needs, the law requires more than a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
This is where Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) become essential.
What is a PEEP?
A PEEP is a tailored evacuation plan designed to support anyone who may need assistance leaving a building safely in the event of a fire or emergency.
These plans are a vital part of an organisation’s fire safety strategy and ensure that nobody is left behind.
Why Are PEEPs Important?
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, duty holders, responsible persons, facilities managers, and letting agents have a clear legal responsibility to ensure safe evacuation for all occupants — not just the majority.
By creating and maintaining PEEPs, you are:
✅ Demonstrating compliance with UK fire safety legislation
✅ Meeting your duty of care to employees, visitors, and tenants
✅ Providing reassurance that your building is inclusive and prepared
✅ Most importantly — taking steps that could save lives
Common Mistakes We See With PEEPs
Unfortunately, PEEPs are often overlooked or treated as a one-off exercise. Some of the most common gaps include:
Plans not being regularly reviewed or updated
Staff not being trained to support individuals in an evacuation
Over-reliance on generic evacuation strategies
Assuming that fire wardens alone can cover all needs
How Armadillo Safety Can Help
At Armadillo Safety, we work with schools, businesses, and property managers to design practical and compliant PEEPs that reflect real-life scenarios. Our support includes:
Carrying out PEEP assessments for individuals and groups
Developing clear, easy-to-follow evacuation procedures
Training staff to implement plans effectively
Reviewing and updating PEEPs to keep them relevant
Questions to Ask Yourself Today
❓ Have you reviewed your PEEPs in the last 12 months?
❓ Are your staff confident in supporting people with additional needs during an evacuation?
❓ Would your building stand up to scrutiny in a fire safety inspection?
Don’t Leave It Until It’s Too Late
Fire safety is about planning ahead. A well-prepared PEEP ensures that every person in your building is protected, regardless of their individual needs.
If you’re a duty holder, letting agent, or facilities manager, now is the time to review your responsibilities.
💡 Get in touch with Armadillo Safety today and let’s make sure your evacuation plans are fully inclusive, compliant, and ready when it matters most.
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