Large-scale emergency evacuation tested at London’s Shard

Three hundred people were evacuated from the Shard in London, the tallest building in the European Union, as part of a large-scale emergency simulation.

It was also an opportunity to practice the building’s evacuation procedures before The Shard opens to visitors and tenants next year.

The Metropolitan Police helicopter circled overhead whilst firefighters, ambulance crews and the Shard’s own staff took part in the drill.

“London’s firefighters are highly skilled and it is our job to make sure that we are fully prepared for any challenge that we might face,” said David Brown, London Fire Brigade’s head of operations, prevention and response.“Exercises like this at the Shard are a key part of the Brigade’s normal training for the wide range of emergencies it is asked to respond to.”

Irvine Sellar, chairman of developers Sellar Property Group said: “Safety and security is of paramount importance at London Bridge Quarter and The Shard, and working with the fire brigade to facilitate this training exercise gives us the opportunity to practice evacuation procedures in readiness for the building opening in 2013.”

Special equipment has been installed in the Shard to ensure that radio systems used by the emergency services will function at the top of the tower.