How to run evacuation drills in a construction site

Running an evacuation drill on your construction site demands precision, realism, and learning. As the PCBU, treat drills ascritical risk controls and design them to reflect your site’s changing hazards. Here’s a guide to running them well.

‍Plan‍

Define clear objectives (e.g. evacuate all zones in four minutes, account for every person). Map evacuation routes and primary/secondary muster areas that remain viable as the site changes. Nominate trained wardens for each zone, allocate backups, and consult plant operators and specialist crews on shutdown procedures.

Prepare‍

Communicate the drill date window, alarm signals, and expectations at toolbox talks and inductions. Use systems like EVA Check-in to simplify sign-in/sign-out and visitor controls so accounting is accurate. Consider staging realistic obstacles blocked routes, noise, or inclement weather - without introducing new risks. Coordinate with emergency services early if required.

Execute‍

Trigger the alarm without advance notice on the day. Wardens sweep zones, prioritising those with edge, excavation, and live plant exposures. Plant shuts down to a safe state, lifts and hoists are not used. The site controller maintains comms discipline, stops non-essential traffic at gates, and liaises with emergency services if needed.

Account‍

At muster, use up-to-date personnel lists, tags, or better, digital sign-in records from EVA Check-in. Confirm headcount, identify missing people, and deploy wardens if safe. Record timing: alarm to first person at muster, last person at muster, all-clear.

Review and Improve‍

Debrief immediately with wardens, then at the next toolbox. Capture what worked, where people hesitated, and any issues. Update the emergency plan, site layout, training/inductions. Repeat drills at least quarterly, and after major layout changes or incidents.

Above all, make evacuation competence a habit. Use EVA Check-in to support your evacuations - with quick buttons to start evacuations, broadcast comms, live staff lists for multiple wardens, reporting, plus worker and visitor inductions.

‍Get your FREE TRIAL or BOOK A DEMO.