Evacuation routine
The document has the reference number SU FV 1.2.1-0377-20. The procedure was approved by the then Head of Security, Nellie Grenius, on 4 June 2021 and revised on 12 June 2025.
Responsible unit: Property Management Office
Contact: brandsakerhet@su.se
(The document was updated in 2025.)
Description
The evacuation routine describes which measures are prioritized when the evacuation alarm sounds and/or a fire has broken out. The evacuation routine has been developed to make it easier for staff and students to be able to act in a systematic and safe way in an evacuation situation.
Introduction
According to the Civil Protection Act (2003:778), Chapter 2, Section 21, owners or holders of rights of use of buildings or other facilities must take the measures necessary to prevent fire and prevent or limit damage as a result of fire. The measures can be of a technical nature, such as the acquisition of equipment for fire extinguishing, or of an organisational nature, such as fire safety training, fire safety inspections and knowledge to handle a fire and/or an evacuation situation.
The employer's responsibility is further clarified through the Swedish Work Environment Authority's regulation (AFS 2023:12) Design of workplaces. The employer is responsible for ensuring that all employees know what to do in the event of an emergency, for example if a fire starts or if gas escapes. This also applies to bomb threats, threats and violence, flooding and more. If evacuation is necessary, all employees must be able to evacuate quickly and safely. To ensure this, the employer must ensure that there are routines for evacuation and that these are well known to its own employees.
Evacuation routine
- Extinguish a small fire if possible and close the door to the room.
- Proceed directly to the assembly point via a smoke-free evacuation route.
- Do not use the elevators.
- Guide visitors to the assembly point.
- Only bring necessary belongings (e.g., keys, phone, outerwear) if it can be done safely.
Evacuation Leaders
- Put on the evacuation leader vest.
- Urge everyone to evacuate the premises.
- If possible, search your area to ensure no one is left behind.
- In case of fire or smoke, call 112 once you are in a safe location.
When calling 112, provide:
- your name
- what has happened
- the address
- the floor and,
- whether anyone might still be in the building.
At the assembly point
Assembly points are marked on the evacuation plans.
- The evacuation leader provides necessary information to the emergency services:
– floor and area where the fire started
– whether people may still be inside
– any particular risks involved in the rescue operation.
The Security guards' duty during a fire alarm
- In the event of a triggered fire alarm, Security guards must immediately go to the scene and meet the fire department at the fire alarm control panel.
- They are to assist with the evacuation of the premises, support the evacuation leaders and collaborate with the fire department.
- If the property is under evacuation, the guard's primary task is to assist with evacuation. Security guards should be positioned near the exits of the building, cooperate with evacuation leaders and guide people to designated assembly points.
- Security guards should also ensure that no individuals re-enter the building until the danger is over.
- After the rescue operation is completed, the rescue leader, or a Security guard acting on behalf of the rescue leader, will give clearance for employees to return to their workplaces.