Author Topic: Exit routes into adjoining buildings  (Read 16422 times)

Offline Dinnertime Dave

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Re: Exit routes into adjoining buildings
« Reply #15 on: March 04, 2014, 01:57:56 PM »
I agree, totally reasonable. If it was found that the alternative escape route had been taken out of use then the RP of building A would obviously have to address the risk. If something happened inbetween the periodic walk through of routes then the RP of building A would have an argument that he was unaware of the closed route.
How often is 'periodic' isnt there a 'cooperation and coordination' point here?    

BS 9999 recommends that doors with panic fastenings especially those that aren't in daily use should be opened monthly. A good starting point I would suggest.

 There are lots of fire risk assessors who post on here. If I put that frequency in a notice what would your reaction be. Reasonable or not?

Offline Golden

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Re: Exit routes into adjoining buildings
« Reply #16 on: March 04, 2014, 02:25:00 PM »
Hi Dave, I don't think I'd appreciate it in a notice but its one of my standard recommendations where there are final exits that are rarely used - although I think I'd argue the monthly requirement just for the hell of it!!

It does amaze me sometimes how RPs can let a fire exit door/route deteriorate to the extent it can't be opened but I've done plenty of RAs where many don't even know the exit routes - go up in the lift and down in the lift - never traveled the alternatives or thought about opening the door marked 'Exit' and these are under their own control!!

I've never liked the concept of exit routes via adjoining buildings as even with legal agreements they are often left not maintained and found unusable. Last year I assessed about ten blocks, mainly residential but a couple of offices, in central London with rooftop escapes and only found one that was maintained and suitable. In the others I couldn't find the way back into adjoining blocks on most occasions - admittedly on one of them I was fearing for my life so much at 7th floor level, pitched roof with about a one foot parapet in the rain and wind that I didn't look too far but I didn't expect to find anything. I'd estimate that on all of them it actually took longer to access the rooftop escape than it would to walk down the staircase to the main entrance.