Creating an escape and rescue plan: duty, contents and posting
In an emergency, everyone must know the way out immediately. When an escape and rescue plan (Flucht- und Rettungsplan) is required, what it must show and how to keep it up to date.
Last updated on 7 min readAMS Go editorial team
Key points at a glance
- Every workplace whose location, size or use requires it needs an escape and rescue plan (Section 4 (4) of the Workplaces Ordinance) – for example with complex escape routes, several floors or many people unfamiliar with the premises.
- The plan shows, correctly oriented, the viewer's own position, escape routes, emergency exits, assembly point, fire extinguishers and first aid facilities, as well as rules of conduct for fire and accidents.
- Design and symbols follow ASR A1.3 and ISO 23601; the requirements for the escape routes themselves are set out in ASR A2.3.
- Drills based on the plan must take place at appropriate intervals – one evacuation drill a year has proven effective.
When is an escape and rescue plan mandatory?
The German Workplaces Ordinance requires an escape and rescue plan if the location, size and type of use of the workplace make it necessary (Section 4 (4) ArbStättV). Whether this is the case is decided by the employer in the risk assessment. Typical cases:
- escape routes are complex, lead over stairs or through several rooms
- the building has several floors or wings
- many people unfamiliar with the premises are present, such as visitors, customers or temporary agency workers
- there are areas with increased fire or explosion risk
- employees work in shifts or alone in extensive areas
What goes into the escape and rescue plan
- floor plan of the storey or area, oriented to match the viewer's position
- “You are here” marker
- escape routes and emergency exits leading outside or to a safe area
- assembly point outside the building
- fire extinguishers, wall hydrants, fire alarms and emergency call points
- first aid facilities such as first aid kit, defibrillator and eyewash bottle
- rules of conduct in case of fire and accidents
- legend of the symbols used and date of the plan
The design follows ASR A1.3 and ISO 23601: safety signs according to ISO 7010, escape routes marked in green, fire safety equipment in red, clearly legible text. The plan must be legible from the usual viewing distance – in practice at least A3 format.
Where the plan must be posted
Escape and rescue plans are posted or displayed at suitable places (Section 4 (4) ArbStättV) – where people see them and they help with orientation:
- at central points such as entrances, stairwells, corridors and lifts
- in areas with many employees or visitors, such as the canteen or reception
- at eye level, well lit and not covered
- always correctly oriented – a plan hung at a 90-degree angle leads people in the wrong direction in an emergency
Creating an escape and rescue plan in 6 steps
- 1
Gather the basics
Collect current floor plans, the fire safety concept and the locations of emergency exits, fire extinguishers and first aid facilities.
- 2
Check escape routes
Check on site whether escape routes are clear, wide enough and marked, and whether emergency exits can be opened without tools.
- 3
Define the assembly point
Choose a safe place outside the building that does not obstruct emergency services and mark it with the “assembly point” emergency sign.
- 4
Draw the plan
Create a correctly oriented plan according to ISO 23601 for each posting location – yourself or through a service provider.
- 5
Post and instruct
Post the plans and instruct employees on escape routes, the assembly point and what to do in case of fire.
- 6
Practise and update
Carry out an evacuation drill, incorporate the findings and adjust the plan after every alteration or change of use.
Evacuation drills: how often?
The Workplaces Ordinance requires drills based on the escape and rescue plan at appropriate intervals (Section 4 (4) ArbStättV). It does not set a fixed interval. One evacuation drill a year has proven effective, more often with increased risk or many changing employees.
- decide in advance who observes the drill and measures the time
- evacuation helpers check rooms, toilets and side areas
- at the assembly point, check that everyone is there – don't forget the visitor list
- evaluate: how long did it take, where were there bottlenecks, who did not hear the alarm?
Keeping the plan up to date
An outdated plan is dangerous in an emergency. It must be updated whenever the floor plan, use, escape routes or fire safety equipment change. Many companies also check their plans during every safety inspection and review them at least every two years.
Checklist: escape and rescue plan
- Need for a plan checked in the risk assessment
- Plan created per floor or area, correctly oriented
- Position, escape routes, emergency exits and assembly point marked
- Fire extinguishers and first aid facilities marked
- Rules of conduct for fire and accidents included
- Design according to ASR A1.3 and ISO 23601
- Plans clearly posted at suitable places
- Employees instructed, evacuation drill carried out and evaluated
- Plan updated after alterations, date noted
Free templates for this guide
As PDF and Excel, no sign-up – free to use in your own company.
Frequently asked questions
Is an escape and rescue plan mandatory?
If the location, size and type of use of the workplace require it (Section 4 (4) of the Workplaces Ordinance) – for example with complex escape routes, several floors or many people unfamiliar with the premises. The decision belongs in the risk assessment.
Which standard applies to escape and rescue plans?
The design follows ASR A1.3 and ISO 23601, the safety signs ISO 7010. The requirements for escape routes and emergency exits themselves are set out in ASR A2.3.
How often must an evacuation drill take place?
“At appropriate intervals”, says the Workplaces Ordinance. One drill a year has proven effective, more often with increased risk or many changing employees.
May I create the escape and rescue plan myself?
Yes. There is no rule on who draws the plan. It must, however, be correct, correctly oriented and designed in line with the standards. Especially for larger buildings, many companies commission fire safety service providers.
What is the difference from a fire brigade plan?
The escape and rescue plan shows employees and visitors the way out. The fire brigade plan under DIN 14095 contains information for emergency services, such as access points, extinguishing water supply and special hazards.
Terms from the glossary
This guide gives a general overview of German occupational safety law and does not replace legal advice. The regulations in force and the rules of the statutory accident insurance institutions are authoritative.
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