Ventilation of Escape Stair

[GB]

SBSA Tech Handbook Non-Domestic Table 2.16 states that if I have an escape stair with the topmost storey less than 7.5m in an office - the stair needs to be ventilated - however the project I am looking at is using BS 9999:2008 and I can see no requirement to ventilate the escape stair - am I missing any paragraph tucked away somewhere?

[Phoenix]

There is no requirement to ventilate the staircase unless it is a firefighting staircase.

[Fishy]

Table 2.16 of the 2015 Non-domestic Technical Handbook concerns Fire and Rescue Service facilities, not escape stairs (although an escape stair might also serve that purpose)?  At first glance seems similar to Table 19 in BS 9999.

[GB]

It is not a fire-fighting stair - but what the BCO is pushing on is the statement in 2.14.6

"Ventilation should be provided to every escape stair, fire fighting stair and fire fighting lobby unless excluded by the table to clause 2.14.2."

I do have a separate ventilated escape stair which can be used for fire fighting purposes - the top storey is below 7.5m from access level - just want to make sure there is nothing in BS 9999 which brings this text of 2.14.6 to life for an escape stair.

[Phoenix]

OK, it looks like all staircases have to be ventilated in Scotland.  BS9999 is more in line with ADB with no requirement for ventilation in a small staircase like this.

[lyledunn]

Is the requirement an actual regulation or is it just guidance on how to comply? I know that our approved document (Technical booklet E) permits compliance by other means, eg 9999 although I imagine one cannot cherry-pick.
I must say that all these disparate regulations across the UK are not exactly a cohesive factor in achieving any sort of common approach in fire safety. My line is mostly electrical safety, I am thankful that we have a single document (bs7671) that sets the benchmarks. There are still plenty of disputes on interpretation but at least we are all referring to the one hymn book!

[Mike Buckley]

"Ventilation should be provided to every escape stair, fire fighting stair and fire fighting lobby unless excluded by the table to clause 2.14.2."

This strikes me as the old confusion about wording and the legal difference between should and must. As the wording used is should then there is some leeway if it can be justified. However I suspect at the end of the day the argument will end with the BCO stating you will do it or I will not sign off the plans.

[GB]

You are correct Mike in the power of the pen and not signing off!
This project is all under BS9999 therefore no cherries are being picked or consumed - you do wonder then why the BCO is allowed to cherry pick for his escape stairs - or is that called something else!

[Jim Scott]

"Ventilation should be provided to every escape stair, fire fighting stair and fire fighting lobby unless excluded by the table to clause 2.14.2."

This strikes me as the old confusion about wording and the legal difference between should and must. As the wording used is should then there is some leeway if it can be justified. However I suspect at the end of the day the argument will end with the BCO stating you will do it or I will not sign off the plans.

Good luck getting any variations in Scotland!

Phoenix - You are correct, all stairs require ventilation north of the border.

[kurnal]

Jims post matches my experience for non domestic buildings in Scotland.