If you would need extra help to leave a building in an emergency (for example, because of a disability, injury or health condition), you should have a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP).

Download the PEEP form [DOCX, 364kb]

Do I need a Personal Evacuation Plan?

You may need a PEEP if you are a member of staff, student, contractor or visitor who could find it difficult to evacuate a building quickly and safely in an emergency.

This can include people with:

  • Mobility impairments: including temporary illness or injury (for example, using crutches or a wheelchair)
  • Visual or hearing impairments: temporary or permanent
  • Dexterity or strength impairments
  • for example, where alarms or large crowds may be challenging

If you are unsure whether you need a PEEP, speak to:

    • Your manager or supervisor (staff)
    • Your tutor, supervisor or halls of residence staff (students)

 

Submitting your PEEP: the process

1: Tell someone you need a PEEP

If you think you need a PEEP:

  • Staff: tell your manager or supervisor.
  • Students: tell your tutor, supervisor or halls of residence staff.
  • Contractors / visitors: speak to your Imperial main contact.

Managers must make sure a PEEP is in place when they become aware that someone requires one.

If you need confidential advice, you can also contact:

2: Complete the PEEP form

Once a need for a PEEP has been identified, the person responsible for your safety must complete the PEEP form.

Download the PEEP Form (Microsoft Word)

Who completes the form?

  • The form should be completed with you, by:
    • Your manager or supervisor (for staff)
    • Your tutor or academic supervisor (for students)
  • In halls of residence, your halls staff will complete it with you.

They can get support from:

  • Faculty or divisional safety staff
  • The Fire Safety Team, Occupational Health, Disability Advisory Service, or other specialists
3: After submission

After the PEEP form is completed:

  1. It is sent to the Fire Safety Team for review and approval.
  2. The Fire Safety Team may consult other teams (for example, the Disability Advisory Service) if needed.
  3. They will confirm:
    • That the arrangements are safe and suitable
    • Any equipment or building features that need to be used (such as emergency lifts or evacuation chairs)
  4. They will inform relevant people who need to know about your arrangements.

Your PEEP should be reviewed at least annually, or sooner if your circumstances change. You and your line manager/tutor are responsible for updating the PEEP, and the Fire Safety Team will also initiate an annual review.

If you no longer need a PEEP, please inform the Fire Safety Team.

 

Guidance for managers and supervisors

Routine vs. complex PEEPs

Routine PEEPs

Routine PEEPs can be fully completed by Faculty or Division representatives without input from other parts of the university. This typically covers situations where:

  • The PEEP holder doesn't need physical assistance to leave the building but may take longer due to reduced mobility
  • The PEEP requires additional controls but no changes to the building infrastructure
  • The PEEP holder uses an existing emergency lift or evacuation chair, with no building modifications required

In these cases:

  • The PEEP holder and their manager or supervisor complete the form
  • They then email it to the Fire Safety Team for final review and approval

Complex PEEPs

Complex PEEPs are required when support from other parts of the university is needed to develop an effective plan. This may include:

  • Modifying card readers or doors
  • Any situation that requires significant involvement from the Fire Safety Team

In these cases:

  • The PEEP holder and their manager or supervisor must complete at least Sections 1–4 of the PEEP form
  • They then email it to the Fire Safety Team for input, coordination, review and approval