FireNet Community

FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => Technical Advice => Topic started by: Hi Tower on October 11, 2011, 06:59:04 PM

Title: Window escape
Post by: Hi Tower on October 11, 2011, 06:59:04 PM

I am interested in finding out about when window escape was a required design concept for domestic dwellings - that is what year did BReg's make it compolsory, and or when did BS's say it was advisable from.
HT

Title: Re: Window escape
Post by: CivvyFSO on October 12, 2011, 12:24:57 PM

It is only 'compulsory' where a protected escape route is not supplied.

BS5588-1:1990 Includes the requirement when the stair is open to the living room etc.

Prior to that there was the mandatory rules for means of escape backed up by BS5588-1.1:1984, but I can't get hold of that. The applicable CP documents may cover it too if anyone can get hold of those.

Title: Re: Window escape
Post by: Hi Tower on October 12, 2011, 02:19:26 PM

Civvy - thanks - I understand the protected route criteria, I would be interested in the CP inclusion if any one knows.
HT

Title: Re: Window escape
Post by: nearlythere on October 12, 2011, 02:28:15 PM

Quote from: Hi Tower on October 12, 2011, 02:19:26 PM

Civvy - thanks - I understand the protected route criteria, I would be interested in the CP inclusion if any one knows.
HT

HT. I think Kurnal has a copy of CP3 and should be able to help.

Title: Re: Window escape
Post by: CivvyFSO on October 12, 2011, 08:52:16 PM

I have CP3 and will have a look once I dig it out.

Title: Re: Window escape
Post by: kurnal on October 13, 2011, 08:38:15 PM

Had a quick rifle round without too much success but this document comes close but does not quite hit the spot.

http://www.mace.manchester.ac.uk/project/research/structures/strucfire/DataBase/References/HMSO%2052_Fire%20grading%20of%20buildings%20Parts%202%20to%204.pdf

Will keep dabbling to see if I can find something specific to window exits. I am thinking in terms of the Public Health Act which certainly has a provision for floors above 20ft above the ground but haven't had time to dig it out.

Title: Re: Window escape
Post by: Tom Sutton on October 26, 2011, 07:55:08 PM

The Building Regs 1965 + 1972 did not deal with MOE only structural fire safety. The 1985 BR introduced Approved Documents but ADB showed B2 B3 B4 and B1 used "Mandatory rules for means of escape in case of fire - 1985 edition" http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/assets/buildingcontrol/approved-document-b-1985-moe.pdf which introduced escape windows for loft conversions. This was amended in the ADB 1992 but only applied to loft conversions it was the ADB 2007 applied it to domestic habitable rooms in a new build and replacement windows.

My only doubt is there may be something in BS 5588 1.1 1984?

Title: Re: Window escape
Post by: JimK on December 05, 2011, 04:56:02 PM

I think I disagree with Tom! 2000 edition of ADB asked for escape windows to new dwellings. Came into force 1st July 2000.

Title: Re: Window escape
Post by: nearlythere on December 05, 2011, 04:59:14 PM

Quote from: JimK on December 05, 2011, 04:56:02 PM

I think I disagree with Tom! 2000 edition of ADB asked for escape windows to new dwellings. Came into force 1st July 2000.

And I believe that in NI updated B Regs are going to require an escape/rescue window in every room above ground floor.

Title: Re: Window escape
Post by: Tom Sutton on December 05, 2011, 07:14:32 PM

I stand corrected JimK I have just got a copy.