Fire evacuation process. Currently we say for people not to be carrying anything in their hands, no food and drink, backpacks or handbags. Feedback from H&S committee and business continuity planning is they would like this changed to allow people to grab small important items - keys wallet phone if they are next to them and it doesn't slow evacuation. I have no issues with this if they can go in a pocket and not delay evac. Business continuity want people to also be able to take a laptop with them again if they are with it. I don't have an issue again if it doesn't impede evacuation, however the evacuation consultants say no as this could lead to an accident and delay the evacuation. Thoughts?

6 story building with multiple emergency stairwells.

My thought was risk assessment with the H&S committee from the site?