locked final exit gate

[bevfs]

hi all
what are the forums thoughts on a licensed bar premises 2xstorey
1st floor external flat roof balcony area  roughly 35m x 10m
external fire escape leads off this area. There is a final exit security gate 7ft galvanized steel mesh. This gate is electronically locked with a dark grey electronic override switch which is  set back from the gate (no signage ti indicate its purpose)
this lock is interlinked to the existing fire alarm system
I know this can be accepted under risk assessment, albeit with the  override switch  clearly signed
Q is there anything in licensing laws etc. which stipulates the requirement for final exit doors /gates to be on
push bars or touch bars (due to alcohol consumption)??

[AnthonyB]

Fire safety conditions were taken out from licensing as part of the Regulatory Reform process - compliance with the Fire Safety Order is all they can require.

It sounds like the set up doesn't meet BS7273-4 for electronic locks either.

A decent risk assessment should account for the possible numbers using the exit, their lack of familiarity with the premises and the possibility of intoxication and unless we really have thrown safety to the wayside would want the exit to be panic proof which even a BS7273-4 compliant lock wouldn't be if there was an evacuation without the fire alarm going off.

The FRA would thus require a panic bolt in order to comply with the FSO for safety of relevant persons and the RP should go along with it.

Patchy enforcement and the grey nature of the current legal regime (which can work for good and bad) mean it's not as easy as it used to be in the old days where invariably the license fire safety conditions and any fire certificate would demand panic bolts

[Dinnertime Dave]

Yes, fire safety was taken out of Licensing when the new Licensing Act was introduced. However, I am aware that certainly up to 5 years ago some areas still insisted on push bars.

Incidntly, HM Government Guides do say that in the majority of cases, premises where there are members of the public present or others who are not familiar with the building should use panic exit bar devices (i.e. push bars or touch bars). See BS EN 112542 for further information.

[lyledunn]

I assume that this gate is used also for entry, hence the electronic lock. If it were my job, I would design it out if at at all possible. If that could not be done a push bar mechanism should be fitted. Licensing here would not sanction any door that is not free from fastenings albeit that I know of many private members clubs that have electronic entry fobs.