Wayfinding Techniques For Emergency Evacuation
To state the obvious - some of the most common reasons for confusing evacuation maps include:
• Use of single orientation for all maps, irrespective of the maps location
• Use of CAD floor plans as map
• No external reference
• Lack of reference to the readers position
One of the most common problem with any map design, not just fire escape plans is the use of a single reading orientation for all maps in all locations. The orientation is typically 'north-up', which at least gives some orientation. However, the results are that when travelling south, the next exit on the left in reality is on the right.
Further complications arise when, in an attempt to make the escape plan more relevant to the user, copies of the buildings CAD floor plans are used. These often fail to be oriented to the basic 'north-up' level, compounding confusion and resulting in false information being presented to the reader.
The aim of any fire escape plan is to aid the safe egress from a building to an area of safe shelter. Correctly oriented, user-centred escape plans remove many of the barriers to effective way finding and aid successful evacuations.
How can FIre Escape Plans be improved?
To compare any map to the real world, the map has to be mentally noted and rotated to fit the building space as it is presented to the user. This can be difficult and time consuming, especially for children, elderly and for those with cognitive impairments this task is virtually impossible. Every second that the occupant is delayed increases the risk that they lose their life. Effective evacuation or emergency way finding is accomplished by providing easy to interpret, informative signage at key decision points from the user's location to a place of safety.
As buildings become more complex, the need to introduce efficient way finding solutions that aid navigation increases. During emergencies effective navigation to a place of safety is vitally important. The lack of detailed knowledge of these complex environments or being in unfamiliar surroundings hinders a safe and effective evacuation. Such complex environments result in the occupants becoming unaware of the most suitable means of escape, often opting to make use of the most familiar exits such as building entrances, ignoring closer or more appropriate emergency exits. The provision of effective escape plans in complex environments is essential for aiding emergency way finding and reducing the amount of time required to evacuate.
Fire escape plans should provide clear, concise information that the occupant may not have previously been aware of, providing options, suggestions and the opportunity to decide on the best possible route for evacuation.
Existing way finding aids in the built environment may be difficult to access. For those that read in a different language, text based instructions are barriers. If the information is not provided in formats accessible to a wide range of abilities, their effectiveness is compromised. The provision of inaccessible signage during an emergency is a significant and foreseeable risk to the safety of the occupants of that building.
Complication through Symmetry
Symmetrically designed buildings, whilst seemingly simplistic can prove confusing during evacuations unless specific visual references are made to their internal and external orientation. These environments benefit from the designation of exit zones, colour coded exits and evacuation maps that clearly mark paths to the closest and alternate emergency exits.
Fire escape plans should be placed in relation to the path of travel. It is important to ensure that the plans are placed at regular intervals rather than relying on one centrally accessible plan. This is especially important in large or complex buildings.
With an ever varying risk profile, the assumption that all emergency exits are available is one that introduces significant risk to the safe evacuation of the buildings occupants. With the increasing number of non fire related incidents necessitating the closure of one or more emergency exits, the need to navigate from a closed exit to the next closest safe exit needs careful consideration and planning. Failing to provide adequate guidance at these exit points compromises the safety of occupants unfamiliar with the floor layout and location of alternative exits.
The reliability of evacuation information is critical to the safe evacuation of the buildings occupants. Information should be legible and accurate. Changes to the buildings infrastructure or internal layout should be reflected in the relevant evacuation maps at the time of the change. Failure to maintain the maps in line with building changes introduces foreseeable risk.
All public information becomes a part of the occupant's information on how to use and navigate the environment. The representation of this public information needs to be consistent to be clear. Escape plans must agree with facility maps and current floor plans. With occupants attending meetings in other buildings or floors, this consistency aids the quick identification of evacuation instructions and facilitates effective evacuations in potentially unfamiliar environments.
Recommendations for the use of Fire Escape Plans as an aid to emergency way finding.
• The simpler the map the more accessible it becomes;
• Correct use of 'You are here' markers significantly improves recognition of the users location and best route to safety;
• Escape plans should be placed in common areas to aid occupant's familiarity;
• Additional evacuation signs should be placed at each emergency exit to aid navigation to alternate exits;
• Escape plans should be oriented to ensure decisions on quickest route to safety are correct;
• Identify the building, floor and/or room number on the escape plan;
• Ensure that information on the plan is reliable and regularly maintained;
• Escape plan placement should be at a level that is accessible by persons in a wheel chair;
• Consider including a map of the assembly areas as an addition to the escape plan.
Contact:
Paul Moor
paul@silverbearfire.co.uk
T:
0845 689 0269
www.silverbearfire.co.uk
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