External Fire Escape Stairs Regulations

External fire escapes and all other means of escape in case of fire with which a building is provided must be available for use at all times when the premises is occupied.

External fire escape stairs regulations.

British standard guide to building maintenance management bs8210 recommends a structural survey of the external fire escape of no more than 5 years. Fire safety information under regulation 38 has been moved from an appendix into a new section. Fire escape stairs and balconies shall be provided with a top and intermediate handrail on each side. G external escape stairways should be sufficiently protected from the weather and is adequately protected from a fire in the building see 1 3 9 tgd b.

Fire escape stairs and balconies shall support the dead load plus a live load of not less than 100 pounds per square foot 4 78 kn m2. An exit must be separated by fire resistant materials. Apart from the structural survey you also need to consider regular maintenance checks. That the stair treads handrails and brackets securing the stairway to the building are in a sound condition.

Where the escape stair which has a total rise of more than 1 6m every part of the external wall including fixed windows or glazing self closing fire doors other than a door opening from the top storey or any other opening not more than 2m from the escape stair should have a short fire resistance duration. In order to protect the occupants from fire and smoke during evacuation the external escape stair should be protected against the outbreak of fire from within the building. Fire escape stairs and balconies shall support the dead load plus a live load of not less than 100 pounds per square foot 4 78 kn m2. Components of fire escape stairs shall be constructed of noncombustible materials.

Building regulations for fire safety in residential homes including new and existing dwellings flats residential accommodation schools colleges and offices. Fire escape stairs and balconies shall be provided with a top and intermediate handrail on each side. Construction materials used to separate an exit from other parts of the workplace must have a one hour fire resistance rating if the exit connects three or fewer stories and a two hour fire resistance rating if the exit connects four or more stories. The guidance on fire dampers and ventilation systems has been consolidated.

Components of fire escape stairs shall be constructed of noncombustible materials. The guidance on insulating core panels has moved from an appendix into the wall and ceiling linings section.