What Is A Refuge Point?

A refuge point is a designated safe area where people who may need assistance during an emergency evacuation can wait temporarily until help arrives. They are commonly used in workplaces, public buildings, schools, hospitals, shopping centres and multi-storey premises.

Refuge points are especially important for disabled people, wheelchair users, visitors with reduced mobility, or anyone who may not be able to use stairs safely during a fire alarm or emergency evacuation.

What Is The Purpose Of A Refuge Point?

The purpose of a refuge point is to provide a clearly identified place of relative safety during an evacuation. It allows a person to move away from immediate danger while arrangements are made for assisted evacuation.

A refuge point should not normally be treated as a final place of safety. Instead, it is a temporary waiting area used as part of a wider evacuation procedure.

Where Are Refuge Points Usually Located?

Refuge points are often positioned in protected areas of a building, such as:

• Protected stairwells
• Fire protected lobbies
• Designated evacuation lift areas
• Safe areas on upper floors
• Areas away from main escape routes where people will not obstruct others

The exact location should be identified as part of the building’s fire risk assessment and emergency evacuation plan.

Who Might Use A Refuge Point?

Refuge points may be used by anyone who needs extra support during an evacuation, including:

• Wheelchair users
• People with reduced mobility
• People with temporary injuries
• Pregnant employees or visitors
• People who may find stairs difficult to use
• Anyone requiring assisted evacuation

Do Refuge Points Need Signs?

Yes, refuge points should be clearly marked so they can be easily found in an emergency. Refuge point signs help building users identify the correct waiting area and support staff responsible for evacuation procedures.

Signs should be positioned where they are clearly visible and should use clear wording and recognised safety sign design. In many buildings, refuge point signs are installed alongside instructions explaining what to do while waiting for assistance.

What Information Should A Refuge Point Sign Include?

A refuge point sign may include:

• The words “Refuge Point” or “Disabled Refuge Point”
• A wheelchair symbol where appropriate
• Instructions to wait for assistance
• Details of an emergency communication point, if provided
• Directional arrows where the refuge point is not immediately visible

Are Refuge Points Required In Every Building?

Not every building will need the same type of refuge point, but employers, landlords and building managers must consider how all occupants can evacuate safely in an emergency.

For multi-storey buildings and premises used by members of the public, refuge points are often an important part of the evacuation strategy. The need for refuge points should be reviewed as part of the fire risk assessment and accessibility planning.

What Is The Difference Between A Refuge Point And A Fire Assembly Point?

A refuge point and a fire assembly point are not the same thing.

A refuge point is usually located inside or within a protected part of the building. It is used temporarily by people who need assistance during evacuation.

A fire assembly point is normally located outside the building and is where people gather after evacuating. It is the final meeting point used to check that everyone is accounted for.

Why Are Refuge Points Important?

Refuge points help ensure that emergency evacuation plans are inclusive and practical. They provide reassurance for people who may not be able to leave a building without assistance and help staff manage evacuations in a controlled way.

When supported by clear signage, staff training and suitable evacuation procedures, refuge points can play a vital role in improving fire safety and accessibility within a building.

Refuge Point Signs For Your Premises

Clear refuge point signs help identify safe waiting areas and support effective emergency evacuation procedures. They are suitable for workplaces, schools, healthcare premises, public buildings, offices, leisure centres and other locations where assisted evacuation may be required.

Choosing the right refuge point signage helps make emergency routes easier to understand and ensures people know where to go if they need assistance during an evacuation.