Fire assembly point: how to choose and sign one
A fire assembly point is the safe place where everyone gathers after evacuating, so you can check who is out. No law sets an exact distance, but under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 your emergency plan must make sure people can get to a place of total safety. Choose a spot clear of the building, away from the fire service’s access, and mark it with a green safe condition sign.
How to choose the location
- Far enough away from the building that people are safe from smoke, heat, falling glass and debris. A common rule of thumb is at least the height of the building.
- Not in the way of fire engines, ambulances or the entrance the fire service will use.
- Reachable safely without crossing a busy road or car park traffic lanes where possible.
- Big enough for everyone, including visitors and contractors.
- Accessible for wheelchair users and people with a PEEP.
- Consider a second assembly point in case the first is affected by the fire or the wind.
The sign
Use a green and white safe condition sign showing people gathering, symbol E007 in BS EN ISO 7010, with the words “Fire assembly point”. Safety signs must follow the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. Put it where it is visible from the exits, and point the way with escape route signs if it isn’t.
Roll call
| Task | Who |
|---|---|
| Take the visitor and contractor book or sign-in list out | Reception or the fire marshal |
| Check each area has been cleared | Fire marshals (wardens) |
| Count people against the list | Lead fire marshal |
| Tell the fire service who is missing and where they might be | Lead fire marshal |
| Decide when people can go back in | Only after the fire service or the responsible person says it is safe |
Shared buildings
If you share a building or site, agree one emergency plan and assembly points with the other businesses and the landlord. The Fire Safety Order requires responsible persons who share premises to cooperate and coordinate.
Write your assembly point into your fire risk assessment. The free fire risk assessment has an evacuation section with the assembly point, fire marshals and drills, and the log book records each drill and how long it took.
Free fire risk assessment See ProQuestions
Is a fire assembly point a legal requirement?
The law requires emergency procedures and safe evacuation. A defined assembly point is the normal way to show you have that, and fire inspectors expect one.
Can the assembly point be in a car park?
Yes, if it is far enough from the building and away from moving vehicles and emergency access. Mark it clearly so nobody parks on it.
How often should we practise?
Most workplaces hold a fire drill at least once a year, more often with high staff turnover or shift work. Record each drill in your fire log book.
Checked against the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, HM Government fire safety guidance and BS EN ISO 7010, November 2026. Related: fire risk assessment checklist.