HS4 Fire evacuation scheme

The premises are located in a building that has a current fire evacuation scheme approved by Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

Documentation required

A current fire evacuation scheme approved by Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

Rationale/intent

The criterion aims to uphold the safety of children by ensuring that the premises have an adequate plan for evacuating children in the event of a fire.

HS5 Safe assembly areas

Designated assembly areas for evacuation purposes outside the building keep children safe from further risk.

Rationale/intent

The criterion aims to uphold the safety of children by ensuring that assembly areas do not place children in further danger – on a main highway for example. The criterion is also based on the assumption that a safe assembly area is more likely to result in regular drills being carried out.

HS6 Securing furniture

Heavy furniture, fixtures and equipment that could fall or topple and cause serious injury or damage are secured.

Rationale/intent

The criterion aims to uphold the safety of children.

HS7 Emergency supplies

There is a written emergency plan and supplies to ensure the care and safety of children and adults at the service. The plan must include evacuation procedures for the service’s premises, which apply in a variety of emergency situations and which are consistent with the fire evacuation scheme for the building.

Documentation required

A written emergency plan that includes at least:

1. An evacuation procedure for the premises.
2. A list of safety emergency supplies and resources sufficient for the age and number of children and adults at the service and details of how these will be maintained and accessed in an emergency.
3. Details of the roles and responsibilities that will apply during an emergency situation.
4. A communication plan for families and support services.
5. Evidence of review of the plan on, at least, an annual basis and implementation of improved practices as required.

Rationale/intent

The criterion aims to uphold the safety of children by ensuring that adults at the service have the necessary knowledge and supplies to deal with emergency situations.

Amended June 2018.

HS8 Emergency drills

Adults providing education and care are familiar with relevant emergency drills and carry out each type of drill with children (as appropriate) on an, at least, 3-monthly basis.

Documentation required

A record of emergency drills carried out and evidence of how evaluation of the drills has informed the annual review of the service’s emergency plan.