Escape Routes

This section provides further guidance on the general principles that apply to escape routes and provides examples of typical escape route solutions for a range of common building layouts. The guidance is based on premises of normal risk so if your premises (or part of your premises) are higher (or lower) risk you should adapt the solution accordingly.

We have now all been doing fire drills since we were in traditional grammar school. However in an up-to-date industrial surroundings there is certainly a lot more to consider than simply marching the pupils down the hall. In a production scenario, there are specific actions that need to be taken by machine operators to shut down the machines in safety and to minimise the restart cost. Just in case you are not actually shutting down your machines for a drill, you then don't know if your own methods actually deliver the results.

A fire in your workplace must be detected quickly and a warning given so that people can escape safely. Early discovery and warning will increase the time available for escape and enable people to evacuate safely before the fire takes hold and blocks escape routes or makes escape difficult. The nature and extent of the fire detection and warning arrangements in your workplace will need to satisfy the requirements indicated by your risk assessment.

Means Of Escape For Disabled People

Legislation dealing with the needs of disabled people does not make any specific requirements regarding means of escape in case of fire. However, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 requires employers to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to their premises to ensure that no employee is at a disadvantage. This includes ensuring that disabled people can leave the premises safely in the event of fire.

Fire Detection & Warning Methods

This Section Provides Guidance on Fire Detection And Warning Systems, Where an electrical fire-warning system is necessary then a straightforward arrangement typically includes the following;