When should evacuations from floors other than the fire floor begin?

Evacuations from floors other than the fire floor should begin when conditions indicate such action due to the potential dangers posed by smoke, heat, or other hazardous factors associated with a fire. This response is grounded in the assessment of the situation by trained personnel, such as the Fire Life Safety Director or fire safety teams, who are equipped to evaluate the risk to occupants on other floors.

Evacuating based on conditions ensures that evacuations occur when it is necessary to protect lives, as it takes into account the prevailing circumstances—like smoke spread or fire escalation—that could make staying on those floors unsafe. It emphasizes the importance of situational awareness and the proactive approach to safety, which is a critical element in fire management.

The other options suggest actions that may not be as immediate or as safety-focused. For instance, waiting for a majority of tenants to demand an evacuation could lead to delays that endanger lives. Depending solely on direction from a Property Manager may also not reflect the urgency of a fire emergency, and relying on suggestions from the Fire Brigade is appropriate but typically occurs after the conditions have already prompted an evacuation assessment. Therefore, acting based on the evaluation of conditions is the most effective and immediate approach to ensure the safety of all occupants.