Fire Escape Staircases
Whether it is for a commercial property - a school, hotel or leisure centre - or a domestic property, there are key considerations that have to be taken into account when designing and installing a fire escape staircase.
Safety is of paramount importance, as well as ensuring the fire escape complies with all relevant building regulations
In this article, Bradfabs takes a closer look at some of the key considerations to ensure your building is safe, fit for purpose, and complies with all relevant building regulations.
How many fire escapes should I have?
If it is a commercial premises, you should have a business health and safety plan with details regarding all fire escape exits within the building.
Commercial properties should have at least one fire escape, to allow safe and swift exit should a fire or other emergency occur, though this does depend on the size of the building - more may be necessary for larger buildings.
Multiple fire escapes are recommended, so that there is always a route out of the building in case of an emergency. Each fire escape should be no more than sixty metres from any point in the building, and, if the building only has one fire exit, it should be no more than twenty-five metres from any point in the building.
Where should my fire escape be positioned?
According to the Regulatory Reform Order (2005), a fire escape should be easily accessible, quick to open, clearly labelled and should lead directly to a safe place. Seek professional advice from a fire safety expert if you are having a new fire escape installed and are unsure of where it should be positioned.
Are there any considerations with access to the escape?
Doors giving access to the escape should be easy to open, and should open fully.
Any door opening onto the fire escape stairs below the top floor, and any door in the external wall beneath the stairway, should be self-closing and should have a minimum half hour standard of fire resistance. Public buildings, or commercial premises with a large number of employees, should have fire exit doors fitted with push bars or pads.
These are just some of the key considerations that need to be taken into account when designing a fire escape. Further advice on external fire escapes can be obtained from your local fire station, or from the relevant Building Control Office.
Bradfabs’ range of fire escape staircase designs span from single flight domestic fire escapes, through to multi-floored staircase structures. Bradfabs are also specialists in replacing or extending existing fire escape stairs.
Whether it is for industrial, commercial or residential use, through a combination of careful planning and accurate engineering, Bradfabs will ensure that your fire escape staircase meets all regulatory and safety requirements, as well as being in-keeping with the overall design of your building. Contact a member of our team today to discuss your specific requirements.
