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FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => Fire Safety => Topic started by: GaryHowe on September 25, 2008, 09:04:48 AM
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Disabled Refuge - a question? I have surveyed a building where on the 1st floor there is a double set of 30 min FR doors leading to a disabled refuge (off a long protected corridor - they are at the far end).
This is a new build (going to be used a leisure centre).
The disabled refuge forms one of three escape stairs, which lead directly into a single skinned timber clad escape staircase type tunnel (metal staircase), which a) has open treads to fresh air (you can see the floor below, when you walk down it) and b) the walls have been designed to allow a 5cm gap along their entire length.
My key question relates to the disabled refuge (I have looked in ADB) for clarity. Does the disabled escape route from the 1st floor need to be a 30 min FR structure along its entire length i.e. until the wheelchair user is taken out of the double doors at the bottom? (These doors lead directly to fresh air on the ground floor).
Secondly, would it not be prudent to enclose the stairs from below, in case anyone sets fire to i.e. a bin and smoke penetrates the escape stairs from below - what do you think?
The same question applies to the 'normal' escape routes.
P.S No thought has been given to signage or communication within the disabled refuge (this is something I can deal with).
Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated.
Cheers
Pics available to be e-mailed if further clarification is required.
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Presumably the timber cladding has been used to provide weather protection only. Is it treated in any way?
Would be interested in seeing pics.
It could be unsuitable for a number of reasons quite apart from the disabled refuge point of view.
Dont overlook ADB2 and B3 in respect of the surface finishes and the fire performance of the exterior of assembly buildings.
If it is a single flight with no openings into it and no possibility of any storage below then you may be able to produce an argument to support it. But if one door opens into it at lower levels then its definanately a no-no.
I wonder if the cladding is a knee jerk retro fit solution to the need for weather protection or is it part of the original design? You would need to see the original fire strategy for the design to determine why and how this has been allowed to arise.
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Have a look at BS 8300 and use the info in there to support what you want to achieve.
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Thanks Kurnal - have e-mailed you pics from e-mail on your web site.