Whilst still at consultation stage the third amendment to BS7671 2008, due for publication in early 2015, will require wiring systems in escape routes to be secured with metal fixings. Thus plastic conduit, Plastic trunking, cables held with plastic clips or ties etc will not be permitted. The requirements are generally intended to protect fire and rescue personnel.
One question that I would like to ask you fire officers is what do you think would define the extent of an escape route? I do not think that the term is defined in the standard. Would it be the case that an escape route might be considered as being within the room from which a person might need to escape? Further, on a escape route, for example a corridor in a hospital, does the extent of the escape route go beyond the suspended ceiling or would the ceiling have to be assessed as having a specified fire rating in terms of structural integrity?