TagEvac recently gathered 130 delegates, representing 50 organisations, to its third edition Emergency Evacuation Seminar. The event, which took place on Wednesday 3 April, was held at the headquarters of BRE, the leading building science centre.
In attendance were professionals from a range of organisations, all keen to learn and develop best practice for managing their evacuation needs, thanks to a full day of CPD accredited presentations from the likes of TagEvac, FirePro, Gerda, Lorient, The ASFP, The FPA, Marsden, Gentle Fire Solutions, BRE, Honeywell Gent and FireCo.
Steve Howard, Test Director for BRE, delivered the opening address and provided an insight into BRE and how its research helps develop products, services, standards and qualifications that are used around the world to bring about positive change in the built environment.
A number of speakers then took to the stage and gave interesting and thought-provoking insights into various aspects of evacuation. One of the common themes of the day was that the Grenfell Tower fire has exposed weaknesses to both the fire compliance of buildings and evacuation systems and strategies. The Dame Judith Hackitt review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety following the fire and the subsequent Government response, which has accepted all the review’s recommendations, will lead to legislative changes and will also drive a change to long term cultural and behaviour among those responsible for evacuation procedures and delivering and maintaining fire compliance in buildings.
BRE provided additional value to the day by giving a tour of its Innovation Park, established to inform sustainable development at a global level and stimulate innovation within the built environment. With parks in the UK and China, and further facilities being developed in Brazil and Canada, the Innovation Park Network is unique in its approach, its global reach, its independence and its impact.
Alan Oliver, Head of Business Development and Compliance at TagEvac, said: “in the event of legislative changes taking place there has never been a better time for people to examine their fire safety arrangements and to ask if their evacuation systems are fit for purpose.”
In summary of the day’s event, TagEvac Director Martin Reed, asked: “Answer one clear question – What do I want to do with my people in an Emergency? Only by understanding this can you put in place the measures you need to make your people safe”.
The next TagEvac seminar will take place at University of Leicester, on 25 September 2019.
To hear more more about that session, meet the TagEvac team and learn more about the products it offers, visit Stand SH3260 at Safety & Health Expo, from 18-20 June at London’s ExCeL.
