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.
