Responsible unit: Property Management Office
Contact: Thomas Markdalen

Introduction

According to Section 2 of Chapter 2 of the Swedish Civil Protection Act (SFS 2003:778), the owner or tenant of a building or other facility shall take the necessary measures to prevent fires and prevent or limit damage as a result of fire. Such measures may be technical, such as the acquisition of firefighting equipment, or organisational, such as fire safety training, fire safety inspections and acquiring knowledge regarding how to deal with a fire and/or evacuation situation.

The employer’s responsibility is further clarified in the Provisions of the Swedish Work Environment Authority on Workplace Design (AFS 2020:1). The employer is responsible for ensuring that all employees know what to do in an emergency, such as a fire or gas leak. This also applies to bomb threats, threats and violence, flooding, etc. If the need arises, all employees must be able to evacuate quickly and safely. To ensure that this is the case, the employer shall ensure that evacuation procedures are in place and that these are well-known to its own employees.

To fulfil these requirements, systematic fire protection activities should be conducted throughout the period of use of the building or facility. This includes documenting and following up fire protection activities. 

Evacuation procedure in the event of fire alarm

In the event of a rapidly spreading fire (major fire):
Assist in the rapid evacuation of the premises and call the emergency services on 112. State your name, what has happened, the address where fire has broken out, the floor, room and whether you have reason to believe that anyone might still be in the building.

  • If possible, extinguish small fires and close the door to the affected area.

  • Those who are not involved in extinguishing the fire should proceed directly to the assembly point using an evacuation route that is not filled with smoke. Escort any visitors to the assembly point as well.

  • NOTE: Only take personal belongings such as home keys, phone, and outerwear if it can be done without putting yourself or others in danger.

Evacuation leader:

  • Put on the evacuation leader vest.

  • Order all staff to evacuate the workplace/premises.
  • If possible, search your area to ensure that everyone has been evacuated.
  • If you can see a fire or smoke, call 112 as soon as you reach a safe place.
  • Tell the emergency operator:
    - your name;
    - what has happened;
    - the address at which the fire has broken out;
    - the floor; and
    - whether there might still be people inside the building.
  • Proceed to the assembly point. Assembly points are marked on evacuation plans.
  • Select one evacuation leader or other person to provide the chief fire officer with the following information:

    - The floor and, if possible, the room in which fire has broken out.
    - Whether you have reason to believe that anyone might still be in the building.
    - Any specific hazards that may exist during the rescue operation.

Security guards’ duty in the event of fire:

  • In case of a triggered fire alarm, security guards should immediately proceed to the location and meet the fire department at the fire alarm control panel.
  • They should assist in the evacuation of the premises and support the evacuation leaders while collaborating with the fire department.
  • If the building is being evacuated, the primary role of the security guards is to assist with the evacuation. They should be positioned near the exits of the building, cooperate with the evacuation leaders, and guide people to designated assembly points.
  • Security guards should also ensure that no individuals reenter 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.