Author Topic: Emergency exit on to footpath  (Read 4805 times)

Offline lyledunn

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Emergency exit on to footpath
« on: December 13, 2015, 09:17:18 AM »
A niteclub and associated bar fronts a busy road. The footpath is 1.3m wide. The club is licensed for 1000. There are three exits. If we discount one the other two spill out on to the footpath. There is no mention of this in the FRA. It just looks a bit iffy as they say. The matter was caused by a recent extension to the front facade that encroached on the road. All passed by BC so obviously they didn't see an issue either!

Offline kurnal

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Re: Emergency exit on to footpath
« Reply #1 on: December 13, 2015, 11:16:59 AM »
A common problem best dealt with using fire wardens as routers to move and Marshall people to the nominated holding  area whilst at the same time ensuring road safety. Appropriate hi viz and torches etc are a requirement.

Offline lyledunn

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Re: Emergency exit on to footpath
« Reply #2 on: December 14, 2015, 08:33:43 AM »
Fundamental control measures that rely on management by people ought to be a last resort in the pub and club sector. Prior to the extension, the original exits discharged on to a section of private land well before the footpath. I do not understand why the obvious potential danger from the adjacent busy road was not on the FRA. Perhaps it was also not considered by BC. But then again, they comprise people and people make mistakes!

Offline kurnal

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Re: Emergency exit on to footpath
« Reply #3 on: December 14, 2015, 09:26:16 AM »
Yes I agree lyle but you are where you are.  Risk control measures that rely on people are probably your only option. But do you not agree that the whole fire emergency plan in the pub and club sector relies entirely on people? My experience is that without  firm direction and control people  will not even start to respond.

Offline JT

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Re: Emergency exit on to footpath
« Reply #4 on: December 14, 2015, 11:48:26 AM »
Pre-movement in pubs and clubs is an interesting one.
People generally do not move until they see smoke, flames or are directed by staff.

For the scenario you have I would have to agree effective management control is essential.