Shane McMahon discusses invacuation, a concept where people shelter in place inside tall buildings during security incidents. As Business Continuity Manager for a 37-floor building in London, he led the effort to achieve ISO22301 certification, the first multi-tenanted tall building to do so. The process involved understanding risks, developing plans, analyzing explosion effects, addressing challenges like culture change and costs, and testing. Benefits include faster response times, all occupants in one place for accountability, and reduced impact on emergency services. Lessons focused on improving design for occupant welfare and comfort during invacuations. Looking ahead, increased awareness, guidance updates, and technology enhancements could further safety.

1. Shane McMahon AMBCI
Business Continuity Manager
Invacuation: The Journey

2. • Iconic tall building in City of London
• 37 Floors and over 4000 people
• 24/7 operation
• Estate includes retail units, piazza, gym
and nightclub
• First multi-tenanted tall building in the
world to achieve ISO22301 certification

3. Invacuation
• The concept
• Our journey
• Design and challenges
• Benefits
• Lessons learned
• The future

4. The Concept
It’s nothing new…
using the building’s physical design and strength to keep people safe

5. The Concept
Provides an extra tactical option for a Building Manager or
Security Team

6. Our Journey
• Understanding the Internal and
External Environment
• Keeping people safe
• Having a Plan
• Explosion effect and shelter area
analysis” carried out in 2009

7. Mirror
Liverpool Street 'bomb scare': Police swarm
London station after 'suspect package' discovered
– 25 August 2016
Indian Business Times
Bishopsgate security
alert: Deliveroo bag
sparks alarm in City of
London – 10 March
2016
Evening Standard
Moorgate Tube station evacuated
amid security alert – 23 October
2016

8. The Challenges
• Culture
• Technical
• Costs
• Engagement & awareness training
• People & Risk assessments
• Testing

9. The Benefits
• Half the time of evacuation
• Everyone in one place
• Reduces pressure on Police
• Extra risk control measure
• People remain warm and dry
• Faster return to normality
22Minutes

10. Lessons Learned
• Heat build up
• VA systems in stairwells and
carparks
• Change of floor design fit
outs/refurbish
• Welfare
• Old designs are good

11. The future
• Awareness and horizon scanning
• Run Hide Tell guidance
• Lift control enhancement
• Organisational Culture

12. Questions ?
smcmahon@citypoint.org.uk