External Fire Escape Stairs Regulations

The guidance on external stairs has been consolidated.

External fire escape stairs regulations.

Components of fire escape stairs shall be constructed of noncombustible materials. Fire escape stairs and balconies shall be provided with a top and intermediate handrail on each side. 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. British standard guide to building maintenance management bs8210 recommends a structural survey of the external fire escape of no more than 5 years.

H top and bottom landings should be level and at least as great as the smallest width of the flight determined by criteria 1. An exit must be separated by fire resistant materials. Fire safety information under regulation 38 has been moved from an appendix into a new section. 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. Components of fire escape stairs shall be constructed of noncombustible materials. 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. The building regulations 2006 fire safety approved.

The guidance on fire dampers and ventilation systems has been consolidated. The guidance on insulating core panels has moved from an appendix into the wall and ceiling linings section. 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. Fire escape stairs and balconies shall be provided with a top and intermediate handrail on each side.

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. Apart from the structural survey you also need to consider regular maintenance checks.