Fire exits

[jpark2]

Is there any rule to say that a designated fire exit cannot be used as an entrance.

[Peter Wilkinson]

No.

So long as any access control measures can be over-ridden in the event of an emergency evacuation.

It is human nature for building occupants to leave a buiding by the same way they entered, so it makes sense for a fire exit to be used as a means of access.  In addition, if an external door is used regularly for access purposes, it is less likely to be blocked and rendered unusable in that emergency situation.

[jpark2]

Peter, thanks that clears up a point in question.

[dave bev]

mr park, what is the real issue here? is this a genuine question?

[djm]

hi all - new to firenet

I am engaged in refurbishing of large residential building in London.

We have located call points to the second means of escape to floors 2+3.

problem: security screen are present on these egress doors/windows and are locked during normal building use/occupation. Is there a combined break glass key holder and call point product?

[Chris Houston]

DJM,

I think I understand your question, but perhaps not.  Would it not be better to have the security screen unlocking automatically upon activation of the fire detection and alarm system.

My opinion is that it would be unacceptable for occupants to have to find a key and use it to open a door in an emergency situation.

[djm]

this building is a large privately owned residence; the existing situation is appalling – keys are 30mins (at best) ‘away’ from a request to access this stairway.

Approved Inspectors have been consulted resolving a proposition to improving this situation and budget limitations prohibit automatic security screens.

what do you think..?

[AnthonyB]

Cant they go for escape mortice deadlocks so that on the "outside" (stairside) of the door you still need a key (security), but from the inside you only have a turnbuckle. We often require this for situations where a deadly 'key in box' escape is discovered.

Difficult to say without seeing the place or a photo to clear the situation in my head