Author Topic: Fire escapes (Read 6726 times)

Buck · « **on:** August 22, 2006, 11:34:29 AM »

could anyone advise please??
In our logistics area there is a fire escape clearly marked and access is kept clear etc. etc. but the main entrance to the logistics area should be kept closed to stop people wandering in and helping themselves to whats on the shelves.
My question is.....
The logistics manager wants to put a 5 lever lock on the entrance gate and anyone wanting to enter or leave will have to bet "let in/out" by the person holding the key!!
As this is the only other exit (but not marked as a fire exit) is there legal implications against locking this gate?

Martin Burford · « **Reply #1 on:** August 22, 2006, 11:57:40 AM »

Buck

The general principle regarding exits from and in buildings is: " they must be available at all material times"...however doors can be locked so long as they can be made available instantly they are need to evacuation purposes.... this means NO KEYS WHETHER IN THE LOCKS OR AT REMOTE LOCATIONS.

Hope this is of some help.. or contact me by email if you need anything further or a telephone conversation regarding this matter.
Conqueror.

kurnal · « **Reply #2 on:** August 22, 2006, 09:57:48 PM »

Buck
Like Conqueror I would be happy to offer advice but would need a bit more info to go on.
Like how big is the area outside the logistics area, how far is it from the furthest point of the area to the exit, are there any flammables/ combustibles etc, how many people are present.

It is ok for a room to have only a single exit/ entrance provided there are no high risk items stored or used, no more than about 30 persons and if nobody has to travel more than 18 metres approx from the furthest part of the room to the final exit to the street.
But if it needs to be an exit then keys are not permissible.Theres just far too much chance of things going wrong. But many other solutions are possible- it all depends from which side of the door the emergency exit is required.

Buck · « **Reply #3 on:** August 23, 2006, 10:23:53 AM »

kurnal/Conqueror

many thanks for the information, they have now had a rethink and introducing a catch instead

Ken Taylor · « **Reply #4 on:** September 13, 2006, 12:53:30 AM »

If a door to a room is designated as a fire exit but there is a security issue, you could consider installing a door alarm and/or CCTV - if you can't change the use of the room and remove the security risk.

Martin Burford · « **Reply #5 on:** September 13, 2006, 09:06:17 AM »

ken
For you to get an accurate response I would need greater clarification on the on the existing M of E arrangements.
Conqueror.

Ken Taylor · « **Reply #6 on:** September 14, 2006, 12:02:47 AM »

Conqueror,
Presumably you meant to reply to Buck.

Martin Burford · « **Reply #7 on:** September 14, 2006, 08:59:01 AM »

Apologies Ken!
Conqueror

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Author Topic: Fire escapes (Read 6726 times)