Fire Escape Staircases: Meeting Safety Standards Without Compromising on Design or Style
Fire Escape Staircases: Meeting Safety Standards Without Compromising on Design or Style
Fire escapes are a vital part of any commercial or multi-storey residential building. They offer a safe and reliable route for evacuation during emergencies and play a key role in helping buildings meet fire safety regulations. But just because they're essential for safety doesn't mean they need to be an eyesore. With the right approach, it's entirely possible to install a fire escape staircase that meets all legal requirements while also adding to the aesthetic appeal of a property.
At BradFabs, we know the balance between form and function is key. Our clients often ask whether they can achieve the right look without falling short of fire safety laws. The answer is yes, and here's how.
Understanding Fire Safety Requirements
Before you can think about design, it's important to understand the safety standards that apply. In the UK, fire escapes must follow strict guidelines as set out in the Building Regulations, particularly Approved Document B. These regulations cover everything from the width and rise of stairs to the materials used and the need for non-slip surfaces and handrails.
External fire escapes must also provide a clear and unblocked route to a place of safety, with landings and guarding that can withstand regular use. For residential buildings, there are further considerations depending on the number of floors and occupants.
All of this can sound restrictive, but the truth is these requirements can be met without limiting your design options.
Designing for Compliance and Style
Modern fire escape staircases don’t have to be purely functional. Steel, the most common material used in fire escapes, lends itself perfectly to creative and attractive design. Whether you want something sleek and contemporary or in keeping with a period building, steel can be shaped, coated and finished to fit the brief.
Open grating is often used for treads to prevent water build-up and reduce slip hazards, but these still offer a clean, industrial look that works well in many settings. Galvanised steel gives long-term corrosion protection, while powder coating allows for a huge range of colours to match the rest of the building or provide contrast for visibility and safety.
Balustrades, handrails and landings can be styled to suit different architectural tastes while still being fully compliant with height, spacing and loading regulations.
Why Steel Is the Ideal Material
Choosing the right material is just as important as the design. Steel is strong, fire-resistant and durable, making it the preferred choice for fire escapes. It's also highly adaptable, meaning it can be formed into curved shapes, sleek lines or traditional profiles depending on the overall look you're going for.
Because it's so robust, steel staircases can be built to handle heavy foot traffic, weather exposure and the occasional knock from equipment or deliveries. With the right finish, they also stay looking good for years, reducing maintenance costs and keeping the exterior of your building smart and professional.
Bespoke Solutions for Unique Spaces
Every building is different, and no two fire escape staircases should be exactly the same. At BradFabs, we specialise in designing and fabricating bespoke solutions that work within the space available while complying fully with regulations.
This means we can create staircases that work around existing features, match building aesthetics and suit the intended level of use. Spiral staircases are often chosen for tighter spaces, while straight or switch-back designs can be more appropriate for commercial premises with more room. We take into account the type of building, user flow, safety requirements and design goals when planning each project.
Installing with Confidence
A well-designed fire escape still needs to be properly installed. Working with a professional team means you can be confident that the staircase will be fitted safely and securely, with full documentation to support building compliance.
At BradFabs, we manage the process from design to installation, ensuring everything is signed off and ready to use. Our experienced fitters are trained to work quickly and safely, keeping disruption to a minimum and delivering high-quality results every time.
Style That Doesn’t Cut Corners
It’s natural to be concerned about cost, especially when building improvements are needed for compliance. However, combining safety with style doesn’t have to break the bank. A well-planned fire escape staircase adds long-term value to a property, and when designed with care, it can even improve the visual appeal of a building.
Whether you’re looking for a clean-lined, modern escape route or something with a bit more character, there are options to suit every need. It’s about making the practical beautiful – and that’s something we’re proud to do.
Ready to Upgrade Your Fire Escape?
If you’re planning a new build, upgrading an older property or simply want to make sure your current fire escape meets the latest safety standards, we can help. We’ve been designing and installing custom steel staircases for over 30 years and we understand the importance of getting both the safety and the style right.
Get in touch with our team today to discuss your project and discover how a fire escape staircase can be more than just a safety feature, it can be a standout part of your building design.
