• Ensure that each wall and opening of the building satisfies the fire resistance rating stated by the code.
• Ensure Emergency exit signs are of required dimensions and with sufficient backup power specified by the code and we also recommend the location of Emergency exit and directional exit signs.
• Deeply examine the design and recommend the requirement of fire dampers and stairway pressurization.

• Recommend the installation of visible and audible alarms and their locations as per the code after the evaluation of the area.
• Ensure that the audible alarms deliver maximum sound pressure for the required time.
• Verify zone division is done properly and only specified number of detectors are supplied in each zone
• Install advanced mode of detectors like multi detectors, beam detectors etc. in specialized locations such as atrium, elevator room etc.
• Recommend the installation of smoke controlling measures.

• Riser pipe characteristics and made
• Egress dimensions
• Compartmentation zones
• Fire alarm cause and effect
• Emergency light and exit sign locations
• Dimension of stair, shaft, door, handrail etc.
• Location of visual and audible fire alarms and their connectivity.
• Spacing of detectors and sprinklers are sufficient to cover complete area

• Emergency egress pathways are away from obstructions.
• Smoke control measures
• Number of exit and exit dimensions
• Specified fire rating for walls and openings
• Light intensity of emergency light and visual alarms
• Primary and back power supply of fire alarm panel
• Civil defense connection and other piping dimensions and layout
• Selection and location of fire extinguishers.

Steps of preparing an evacuation plan;

Step 1: Evaluate the Emergency

Assess the vulnerability of your workplace to a specific emergency. Identify the need for greater resources or assistance, such as special equipment and/or extra facilities for handling a critical emergency. This is especially crucial for workplaces in hazardous environments.

Step 2: Determine Exit Routes

Map out exit routes in the floor plans. Follow these best practices from OSHA while determining exit routes:

• Exit routes must be as far away as practical from each other.
• Doors should swing out in the evacuation direction and be unlocked from the inside.

Step 3: Identify Safe Areas

Scout a potential safe area or assembly point. Ask the following questions while identifying the same:

• Is this area usually and relatively safe?
• Is this area well-lit?
• Is it easy to access emergency services from this area? (the area is near a hospital, etc.)
• Does this area have good cell service / signal?
• Will employees have difficulty finding this area once they exit the workplace?
• Could this area ever be obstructed during an emergency? (trucks blocking the road, etc.) Point up any situations in which the area might still be dangerous or where an emergency could potentially affect the region.

Step 4: Develop Evacuation Procedures

Once you have decided on the exit routes and on the designated safe area, develop a step-by-step evacuation procedure for each area in the workplace. For example, if an employee is in room 1, they must follow specific steps to go through exit route 1 and then get to the designated safe area.

If you have more than 25 employees, consider establishing a procedure for employees to digitally check-in and verify that they are safe (as opposed to or to supplement the in-person headcount done by the evacuation wardens).

Step 5: Discuss with Employees

Hold a meeting with employees to discuss the appropriateness of exit routes, safe areas, and evacuation procedures. Note down suggestions, comments, and points for further clarification. Revise the emergency evacuation plan based on employee feedback. Then, present the revised emergency evacuation plan to employees for approval.

Step 6: Assign Responsibilities

Assign evacuation officers, wardens, and assistants. Establish a chain of command:

• Evacuation Officer 1 – the coordinator or leader of the evacuation; has the authority to make decisions during emergencies; and is responsible for coordinating with outside emergency services
• Evacuation Officer 2 – If Evacuation Officer 1 is unavailable during an emergency, Evacuation Officer 2 assumes the role of evacuation coordinator.
• Evacuation Officer 3 – If both Evacuation Officer 1 and 2 are unavailable during an emergency, Evacuation Officer 3 assumes the role of evacuation coordinator.
• Evacuation Wardens – Wardens direct employees to proper exit routes until they reach the designated safe area. OSHA recommends that for every 20 employees, you assign one evacuation warden. Alternatively, you may assign one evacuation warden per floor or for each area in the workplace.
• Assistants – They check if employees are following the warden and if anyone is left behind or needs help. They may also monitor the safety of employees assigned to shut down operations before evacuating.

Once the plan has been approved by employees, distribute copies (preferably digital) to all employees (including part-time) as well as frequent visitors and third-party workers.

Step 7: Conduct Training Exercises

Set a date for employee training on the specific emergency evacuation plan. This may include test runs, drills, and other practical exercises. Set intervals for training (e.g., every 3 months).

It would also be very beneficial to conduct your own internal training make involving every employee. With this, employees can have more detailed idea about emergency evacuation, ensuring all employees are aware of the right safety steps.

Step 8: Review and Update the Plan as Needed

Changes in the workplace will also warrant a review and update of the plan. Additionally, feedback or results from training exercises can lead to major revisions in the plan. For each update and revision, employees must be notified and retrained accordingly.

4. Foundation for contracts

• BOQs act as the foundation for the final contract between the client and the contractor. In case of disputes or claims during construction, they provide a reference point for conflict resolution.

5. Transparency and error reduction

• By specifying materials and labor, BOQs create transparency around scope and pricing, reducing errors and misunderstandings.
• This ensures that all parties have a clear understanding of the project’s requirements.

6. Maintenance and future expansion

• The comprehensive information within a BOQ becomes a valuable record for future maintenance, repairs, and potential expansions.
• This saves time and effort compared to re-quantifying for subsequent work on the project.

A Bill of Quantity includes,