Disabled Refuges in Retail

[Jon Barrett]

We are involved in a new build project where I have noticed that not all the means of esacape stairs have disabled refuges in them. It appears that at least one of the stairs from each floor level has a disabled refuge in it.

Surely a disabled person doesn't have to determine which stair has a disabled refuge before leaving the fire floor?

The building will have been designed under the 2000 ADB.

Any information on this would be helpful to appreciate why this is the case.

Thanks,

Jon

[Dinnertime Dave]

Jon, it would be my advice that disabled refuges should be placed 'as and where necessary although ADB states each protected stairway, in my opinion you need to look at the building as a whole and adapt a strategy accordingly.

I would expect that disabled evacuation will be staff led in any case although recently I saw fire exit signage that indicated the route to the disabled refuge.

You may be interested to know that most persons with disabilities don’t know

1. That disabled refuges exist
2. What they are for.

This knowledge was gained from sitting on the committee of an access group where a large proportion of the members are wheelchair users.

[jokar]

First things first.  You need an evacuation plan for all people and as part of that you will identify staff that need a 2 stage evacuation policy which will then lead to which areas need a refuge.  Do not forget that most refuge's require an EVC and appropriate signage.

[wee brian]

There should be a refuge by each stair. All people should follow exit signs until they cant o any further (cos there is a stairway etc) at that point they should be in a refuge.

That way they dont need to know how the system works- it just happens.

[Paul]

Been a while since I've written so I guess I should;

B1 4.7 of ADB states that all protected stairs must afford a refuge within and at each storey level discharging unto, unless a plant deck or similar.

Each refuge again must be at least 900mm x 1400mm and not reduce the escape width.

Just written a fire strategy with the inclusion of such.

Don't forget the 2 way communication system at each refuge and as stated in a previous note, a key element is the management of occupanst who would typically use refuges.  a sound EP must be written, although I guess this should be pointed out at FRA stage and not Build Reg approval.

Paul.

[kurnal]

As this building was designed to the 2000 ADB there was very little by means of guidance in the ADB - its only the latest version that is specific to covering all stairs and specifide the need for comms. The 2000 edition pointed towards BS5588 part 8 and if I recall correctly this document did not advise that all stairs should have refuges- more that the fire strategy and evacuation plan  should determine where refuges are necessary. As far as shops are concerned wherever lifts are provided to give access to different levels then the staff must be trained to identify persons with special needs and to guide and assist them if the alarm sounds.