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Evacuation Procedure

Considering that you may one day have to evacuate the premises due to an emergency, you should learn the evacuation procedure. This procedure applies to the entire INRS community and in all research and training centres.

  • As soon as you hear the alarm or an evacuation order is given, quickly vacate the premises.
    • Stay calm
    • Do not run
    • Do not return to your station to retrieve your personal belongings
  • Use the nearest emergency exit to leave the building.
    • Take the stairs—never use elevators.


Before entering a hallway or stairwell, make sure it’s safe.

Check :

  • If the door is hot (with the back of your hand)
  • If you can feel heat coming from that direction
  • For smoke or gas (odour)
  • If the exit is flooded


When faced with one of these scenarios, make your way to another emergency exit.

  • If there’s a lot of smoke, duck or crawl.
  • Immediately proceed to the nearest assembly point.
  • Stay at the assembly point and wait for the safety officer’s permission before re-entering the building.

Never enter a building when the fire alarm is active. Never return to an evacuated building.

Where appropriate and if it can be done safely:

  • Move or evacuate anyone in your vicinity
  • Turn off ventilation equipment (chemical fume hood, biosafety cabinet, etc.) and lab equipment (hot plate, oven, gas cylinder, etc.) and exit the room, closing the doors behind you

If you cannot safely evacuate the premises:

  • Stay down to avoid inhaling smoke or toxic fumes
  • Take shelter in a closed room
  • Close all doors and windows
  • Seal the gaps around the doors
  • If there are windows, signal your presence

Immediate assistance

4477 (INRS landlines) or 1-855-888-4477

Life-threatnening

Any questions? Please contact us!