Apply for an evacuation scheme approval

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Once you have a draft evacuation scheme, you’ll need to apply online for approval of your scheme
Log in to RealMe to apply for or manage your evacuation scheme
What you'll need to do
Guides, forms and examples
Assessment
Outcomes
FAQs
Related content

Once you have a draft evacuation scheme, you’ll need to apply online for approval of your scheme

During the application process you will be asked questions about your building and the evacuation process planned for the building, which is then reviewed by Fire and Emergency.

You will receive a notification when your application is approved, or will be contacted if any changes to the application are required.

Related steps:

Haven't created a draft scheme yet?
Step 1: Prepare your draft evacuation scheme.

Already have an approved evacuation scheme?
Step 3: Maintain your schemes - trial evacuations & training.

Looking for the legal requirements around evacuation schemes?
Regulations for evacuation schemes.

Log in to RealMe to apply for or manage your evacuation scheme

What you'll need to do

Check you have the following before starting your application:

Copy of your proposed evacuation scheme.
Your RealMe login.
Fire sprinkler system certification of compliance.
Fire action sign/notice.
Evacuation training programme.
Site plan and floor plan showing means of escape.

Assessment

Evacuation scheme applications are assessed by Fire and Emergency based on compliance with the regulations, suitability of the procedures proposed and whether the scheme is fit for purpose in the event of a fire.

Assessments are completed within 20 working days, and once approved you'll receive an email and guidance on maintaining your approved evacuation scheme.

Outcomes

Once your application has been submitted, Fire and Emergency will review it. Depending on the outcome, you may need to make changes or provide further information.

Amend application as requested and submit

If the assessment has anything missing, you will receive an email advising that your application is incomplete or not approved with your assessment letter attached. The assessment letter will reference which questions have missing information or require clarification and will provide guidance to help you complete the application.

Withdraw an application

If you've submitted your evacuation scheme application, you can log in to withdraw your application while the application is still in process (eg, if you have realised that your building does not require an evacuation scheme). Please note, withdrawing the application will delete the application from your profile.

Building visit

Fire and Emergency may ask to visit your building if it's new, if you have a place of safety located inside the building or to confirm the proposed procedure listed in the application for the evacuation scheme will function in a manner that enables a safe prompt and efficient evacuation of the building. During this visit we may discuss other fire safety topics.
You will be notified by email and/or phone call if a building visit is required, and this will be arranged by agreement with Fire and Emergency.

FAQs

Who can apply for an evacuation scheme?

The building owner can either apply themselves or nominate another person (a contact person) to complete the application on their behalf.

When does an application scheme need to be submitted by?

An application must be submitted within the 30 working day period before: a new building is first lawfully occupied; or an existing building becomes a relevant building under section 75(external link) of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017.

How do I apply?

The easiest way is to apply online.

Applying online has several advantages and makes your scheme easier to maintain and monitor on an ongoing basis. You will need to log on using RealMe before you can apply online. Go to the RealMe website(external link) to find out more.

Alternatively, you can complete a form and either email or post it to Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

For a form to be sent to you for completion please contact the Regulatory Compliance Group on 0800 734 2667

What help is available for me to complete my application?

There are a range of quick reference guides and example application documents to help you get started. You are welcome to use our example documents as the basis for your own application. However, please ensure that all details are updated to correctly reflect your own building.

There are also independent evacuation consultants nationwide who can be hired to develop and implement your evacuation scheme. Fire and Emergency recommend evacuation consultants who are certified by the Fire Protection Association of New Zealand(external link) (FPA New Zealand); a directory of certified evacuation consultants is available from their website.

What is the best way to submit multiple similar buildings?

If you need approved evacuation schemes for similar buildings (e.g. a chain of retail stores, or multiple buildings on one site) here are a few tips that may help to make it easier.

You can create an application template and then submit multiple applications based on that template, only changing the necessary key details (e.g. the building name and address) for each application. Please see our working with application templates [PDF, 841 KB] guide for full details.
It is usually recommended to get your first application approved before submitting your remaining applications. This will save time if there are any issues from your first application that need to be corrected - you can then ensure your remaining applications have those same corrections included.

It may be best to phone the Regulatory Compliance Group on 0800 734 2667 to confirm how your applications will be structured before submitting any applications. For example, it may be that you can combine two or more buildings into one application, or that not all of your buildings are required to have an approved evacuation scheme.

How long does it take to get approval?

Fire and Emergency have 20 working days from receiving the application to make a decision on it. The decision may not necessarily be to approve the application.

We may contact you if any minor details need to be clarified first. If further information is required, or if a trial evacuation of the building is to be carried out and observed by Fire and Emergency, the period we have to make a decision may be extended once by up to 10 working days to allow this.

If the application isn’t approved, we will notify you in writing. You will need to amend your proposed scheme and reapply for approval within 20 working days after you receive our notice. Once you have amended and resubmitted your application, we have 20 working days from receiving the resubmission to make a decision.

Can I request that my application is processed faster?

Yes, however, this can never be guaranteed as there are a number of factors that could affect the processing and decision times for each application.

To request faster processing of your application, please submit your application and then email rcg@fireandemergency.nz to explain the reasons for your request. If you have submitted your application online, please provide your application reference number that starts with EV, or TS if the application is for a Temporary Structure. For example, EV-123456-01 or TS-123456-01

Will anyone from Fire and Emergency New Zealand visit the building as part of the evacuation scheme approval process?

This is usually only necessary if your building will be using ‘places of safety inside’. However, we may visit some buildings to ensure we have a clear understanding of the procedures that have been submitted to us for approval.

Is there a cost to apply?

No, there is no charge to apply for an evacuation scheme.

Our 3-Step Escape Plan