Means of Escape from Buldings other then Dwellings

Generally, single dwellings of three or more storeys (or, according to the UK Building Regulations, with one or more floors over 4.5m above the ground) require protected stairways of 30 minutes fire-resistant construction, furnished with self-closing fire doors.

Dwellings divided into flats or maisonettes should have fire protected access corridors leading to protected common escape stairs. The provision of two stairs giving alternative escape routes is necessary in all but the smallest buildings. It is essential to provide for ventilation of escape corridors and stairs in order to dissipate smoke.

Each flat or maisonette is regarded as a separate fire compartment so only the unit on fire needs to be initially evacuated. Hence, entrance doors to flats and maisonettes must be self-closing fire doors (30 minutes) and open into a protected internal lobby with self closing fire doors which give access to the rooms. ((1) + (2))

General guidelines cover the following features.

Construction and protection of escape routes. These cover the fire resistance of the enclosures including any glazed panels and doors (varying according to situation), headroom (2m minimum), safety of floor finish (nonslip), and ramps (not steeper than 1:12).

Provision of doors. These should open at least 90 degrees in the direction of travel and be easily opened (use simple or no fastenings if possible). They should not obstruct the passageway or landing when open (use a recess if necessary) and be of the required fire/smoke resistance depending on the particular situation. Vision panels are required when the door may be approached from both sides or swings two ways.

Construction of escape stairs. Escape stairs should be constructed of materials of limited combustibility in high-risk situations (e.g. when it is the only stair, a stair from a basement, one serving a storey more than 20 m above ground level, an external stair or one for use by the fire services. Single steps should be avoided on escape routes, though they are permitted in a doorway. Special provisions apply to spiral and helical stairs. Fixed ladders are not suitable as means of escape for the public.

Final exits. These should be very obvious to users and positioned so as to allow the rapid dispersion of escaping people in a place of safety, away from fire hazards such as openings to boiler rooms, basements, refuse stores etc.

Lighting and signing. Escape routes should be well lit with artificial lighting, and generally equipped with emergency escape lighting in the event of a power failure. Stairs should be on an independent circuit. In crucial areas, the wiring should be fire resistant. The exits must be well signposted with illuminated signs.

Lift installations and mechanical services, etc.. Lifts cannot be used as a means of escape. Because they connect storeys and compartments, the shafts must be of fire resisting construction. The lift doors should be approached through protected lobbies unless they are in a protected stairway enclosure. The lift machine room should be situated over the lift shaft if possible. Special recommendations cover the installation of wall-climber and feature lifts. Mechanical services should either close down in the event of a fire, or draw air away from the protected escape routes. Refuse chutes and refuse storage must be sited away from escape routes and separated from the rest of the building by fire resistant construction and lobbies.