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Are fire assembly points a legal requirement?

Author

David Richardson

Published Jun 22, 2026

Are fire assembly points a legal requirement?

Having an effective evacuation procedure in place is not only vital for the safety of people within a premises, it is also a legal requirement as dictated by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order.

Where should your assembly point be located?

Is should be located opposite to plant/building. enclosed/fenced then assembly point must be located near to entry/exit of that area.

How far away should a muster point be?

A good rule of thumb is to place muster points at a distance of at least one-and-a-half times the height of your tallest building, if possible. This will keep evacuated personnel at a safe distance from any fire or flying debris, as well as give first responders room to safely operate next to your buildings.

How far should a fire assembly point be away from a building?

It might sound obvious, but the fundamental factor for deciding on the location of your assembly point should be its distance from the building. Keeping all persons well away from flames and smoke is paramount, and a gap of 50 feet between property and assembly point is ideal to avoid debris from collapsing structures.

How far from a building should a fire assembly point be?

How far should an assembly point be from a building?

The assembly point for an office building needs to be close enough to be easily accessible but far enough away that employees are a safe distance from the fire. Regulations state that the location has to be 50ft or more from the building. This will ensure that people remain safe, even if the building were to collapse.

What are the selection criteria of an assembly point?

Choosing an appropriate assembly point is of paramount importance, and should be established immediately….8 Factors to Consider

  • Size. It seems an obvious requirement, but the fire assembly point must be big enough to accommodate all staff.
  • Access.
  • Backup.
  • Location.
  • Distance.
  • Other dangers.
  • Inform and advise.
  • Fire Wardens.

How far should you evacuate from a burning building?

150 – 200 yards
Try to Locate Evacuation Point: At a safe distance from the building (Preferably 150 – 200 yards away). Away from secondary risk factors, such as dumpsters (which may contain a secondary explosive device), gas mains or gas lines, high voltage wires or transfer points, and sewer main access covers.

What action should be taken at the assembly point?

Distance. The assembly point should be a suitable safe distance away from the building, far enough away to be clear of any possible smoke or heat being generated from the building.

How do I identify fire assembly points outside the building?

Clearly indicate the assembly points outside of the building. Your fire risk assessment will designate these points, and you should signpost the routes to them with the correct notices. Ensure all signage is easy to see, and that staff are aware on joining the company where their specific fire assembly point is.

How far away should the assembly point be from the building?

The assembly point should be located far enough away from the building to afford protection from heat and smoke in a fire situation but not so far away as to discourage people from using it.

What is the law on fire safety in the UK?

The law. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 covers general fire safety in England and Wales. In Scotland, requirements on general fire safety are covered in Part 3 of the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005, supported by the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006.

What should staff be informed about fire evacuation procedures?

All staff should be informed of the current fire evacuation procedures and assembly points, and also about any future changes to them, should they arise. To keep visitors in the loop, information boards should also be posted that display the fire assembly points, along with clear signage to indicate fire exits.