Posted By Joe Ridley Hi there, I have a question about fire escape routes, as the route leads to a place of safety should the route also be safe and without risk? Scenario - I have identified a problem with escape routes from one of our facilities where two fire exits lead to a place of safety. In order to get there the route takes people over a path - which is part of the building surrounds - that happens to have several bricks which are loose or have been removed, which now presents a risk of trips in the event of an evacuation. I have advised the manager of the facility to have this repaired and also advised getting a competent contractor in to repair the damage. This was done a few weeks ago and still no action has been taken, I have also informed his superior of this as well. I suppose I want to know that if an incident does happen, could I be slated for not doing more to ensure the safety of employees/customers? Any thoughts or advice would be much appreciated Cheers Joe

Posted By Robert Dunlop Joe, You don't say whether the other facility is part of your business, I gather not. If it's not in your neighbours interest to have repairs done the I guess theres nothing you can do. Who "owns" the path? Is it a shared responsibility? Is there an alternative means of escape. Are your work colleagues aware of the state of the path. Have a slow time evacuation in order that you've made everyone aware. Go higher, get your MD to draft a nice letter to the other MD. Love thy neighbour!! Or--simply bite the bullet and ask for permission to carry out the minimum amount of repair at minimum cost. After all your MD has a duty of care as should be stated in the Policy Statement. Good luck, Bob

Posted By Stephen Lambert ditto above - and remember, if using email, BCC yourself (preferably at your own private address) just in case "a server crashes". Regards Steve