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THE REGULATORY REFORM (FIRE SAFETY) ORDER 2005 => Q & A => Topic started by: mhairig on July 29, 2008, 06:05:33 PM

Title: Step below Velux Escape Window
Post by: mhairig on July 29, 2008, 06:05:33 PM

Can anyone tell me if it is possible to put a fixed step in floor level below a velux escape window if the height from ffl to bottom opening part of the window is slightly more than 1100mm? (The height is 1245mm so I thought maybe a 145mm high step below the window?)

Thanks!

Title: Step below Velux Escape Window
Post by: kurnal on July 29, 2008, 06:48:59 PM

There is absolutely no reason why not- it must be a  permanent fixture. However some local authority building inspectors dont seem to like them- sometimes they turn such proposals down saying thay there is no guarantee that it will not be removed in future.

Presumably this is from the first floor because escape windows are no longer acceptable from most loft conversions according to the 2006 ADB

Title: Step below Velux Escape Window
Post by: mhairig on July 29, 2008, 07:09:09 PM

Hi, yes it's from the first floor of a 2 storey building albeit the velux is in the roof plane (the insulation line is at rafter level). Guess I will need to double check with BC then! Thanks for speedy response.

Title: Step below Velux Escape Window
Post by: Chris Houston on July 29, 2008, 07:18:53 PM

Seems odd to refuse to accept a safety feature on the basis that it might be removed in future.  The same argument could be used to refuse to accept any safety feature (fire doors, fire alarms, sprinklers).

Title: Step below Velux Escape Window
Post by: Psuedonym on July 29, 2008, 08:34:17 PM

I know someone who just spent £35K on an extension with 3 velux windows in. The adhesive which sticks the guarentee is still on the glass :rolleyes:

Title: Step below Velux Escape Window
Post by: Chris Houston on July 29, 2008, 09:03:34 PM

I don't understand your point.

Title: Step below Velux Escape Window
Post by: nearlythere on July 30, 2008, 12:35:16 PM

Quote from: Chris Houston

I don't understand your point.

Chris, he's developed a new type of glue and is trying to promote it.

Pseudonym, is he the one who invented the glue that B&Q use to stick the labels onto their finished timber and are a real bugger to get off?

Title: Step below Velux Escape Window
Post by: Fishy on July 30, 2008, 02:19:48 PM

I'm 99% sure that there has been one or more determinations regarding this very subject - have a look at the last few year's worth (can get at them via the CLG website).

Title: Step below Velux Escape Window
Post by: mhairig on July 30, 2008, 05:14:23 PM

CLG website - what is this please?!

Title: Step below Velux Escape Window
Post by: Chris Houston on July 30, 2008, 06:19:22 PM

www.communities.gov.uk

http://www.communities.gov.uk/fire/firesafety/

Title: Step below Velux Escape Window
Post by: Psuedonym on August 03, 2008, 10:00:33 PM

Quote from: nearlythere

Quote from: Chris Houston

I don't understand your point.

Chris, he's developed a new type of glue and is trying to promote it.

Pseudonym, is he the one who invented the glue that B&Q use to stick the labels onto their finished timber and are a real bugger to get off?

Precisely NearlyThere! That glue is a real bugger!!