Posted By Joel Frorath
Bob

This part of BS 5588 is no longer current, you need to refer to The Building Regulations.

Hope this is of some use to you

Posted By Derek Housley
BS 5588 part 8 The Code of Practice for means of of escape for disabled persons is still valid.

Under the workplace regs 1997 as amended, there is a requirement for a fire risk assessment to be carried out. In doing this you need to look at the m of e for disabled. Provision of refuges which are only temporary holding areas.

In certain cases is is acceptable ( see 5588 part 5 - lobby protection, secondary power supply etc. )to use the lift.

The buildings management is responsible to ensure that provisions are in place to evacuate disabled persons, from the temporary holding area ( the refuge), hence the need for evacuation type chairs and training. A personal emergency evacuation plan ( PEEP), will look at the issues.

Please remember its not just non ambulant, consider, deaf, blind, pregnant etc. under the PEEP.

Consider that where an evacuation lift is in place, the fire may block access to it, consider provision of an evacuation type chair on the alternative m of e.

Remember to record your significant findings in your fire risk assessment.

Hope that helps

Posted By Andy JC
I'd suggest having a look at BS8300 as well since it covers much of the other points that are needed. Additionally, if it for your own staff, they should be provided with a Personnal Emergency Egress Plan (PEEP). You will also find useful information at www.cae.org.uk which is the lead body for access.

A very useful set of documents can be found at http://www.herian.org/resources/accessguides.html.

The Disablity Rights Comission has a health & safety guide at http://www.drc-gb.org/li....asp?id=436§ionid=5. This will be replaced later this year with a set of three guides joinetly produced by the DRC and the HSE following a recent study run by both of them. These when they are produced should be the authoritive document you will need to be aware of.

I also have a copy of an excelent guide which will shortly be put on the CAE website as one of a set of free to use documents which I'm happy to email you a copy of it on request.

Have fun,

Andy

Posted By Gary IMD(UK)
On a light-hearted note... Has anyone seen the episode of 'The Office' when they have a fire evacuation?? How many times has this happened in the workplace? Just like the Fire Extinguisher door stops!!... 'Oh, we only do it when we're in the office', they shout!!

Take care all!