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Posted By bobby ross
Hi All,
Looking for some guidance on the following issue.
Where I work there is very limited storage space so, one of my bosses suggested that the extra space we have in one of escape routes could be used, I'm not so sure, anyway there are 2 double doors approx 12 feet wide in total, leading into a corridor which is approx 15 yards long and 4 yards wide with a final exit double door approx 15 feet wide in total this is the area he would like to use.
I know there may be issues regards the amount of people who would at any giving time require to use this, the number would be between 10-50
So my question is can this be used as storage, or could a cupboard be built any suggestions greatly appreciated
Cheers,
Bobby
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Posted By shaun mckeever
Bobby I would say, without knowing the details of the building such as number of floors, availability of alternative escape routes, other fire protection systems/features and nature of risk etc, that you could probably use the area that you are suggesting. It sounds to me like you have enough space to construct fire resisting storage space or perhaps use metal lockers.
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Posted By bobby ross
Thanks for that Shaun,
I thought maybe, there might be a problem with the double doors being the width they were i.e. the width space being reduced when both doors are open thus the corridor space then becomes narrower because of storage, hope this makes sense what I am trying to say,what do you think?
Bobby
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Posted By Adrian Watson
Bobby,
Whilst I do not disagree with Saun, once you start to use the corridor as a storage area you will raise further issues. For example:
How are you to police the corridor to prevent additional storage?
How are you to ensure that the centre passageway is free at all times so not to impede the means of escape?
How are you to ensure that fire doors will not be compromised by being kept open or blocked by stored materials?
How are you going to convince your fire authority that it is safe?
Consequently, I would advocate that you avoid using the corridor as a storage area if this is at all possible.
Regards Adrian
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Posted By Adrian Watson
Bobby,
Whilst I do not disagree with Shaun, once you start to use the corridor as a storage area you will raise further issues. For example:
How are you to police the corridor to prevent additional storage?
How are you to ensure that the centre passageway is free at all times so not to impede the means of escape?
How are you to ensure that fire doors will not be compromised by being kept open or blocked by stored materials?
How are you going to convince your fire authority that it is safe?
Consequently, I would advocate that you avoid using the corridor as a storage area if this is at all possible.
Regards Adrian
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Posted By tony fog
This can be a slippery slope, Fire exit routes should be be kept sterile at all times, introducing a policy of storage can lead to confusion i.e combustible materials being introduced etc. Once people see materials being stored there, then they will add and add, you will need very strong housekeeping policies in place, especially (as you sound like the responsible person)when you are on annual leave etc. Are there no alternatives such as portakabin?.
good luck anyway
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Posted By Seamus O Sullivan
Hi
My own view is that you should not use a fire escape as an area for storage, the previous contributors have highlighted many reasons for not allowing such storage.
seamus
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Posted By Bob Shillabeer
Don't let him do it. Fire escaoe routes are very important. Look at the fire guidance documents. Put your boss in no doubt as to the potential consequences of such action, at least prosecution by the fire authority not to mention criminal liability.
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Posted By GT
Bobby,
I also do not disagree with Shaun and Adrian raises some useful points for example how do you currently :-
police the corridor to prevent additional storage?
How do you to ensure that the current passageway is free at all times so not to obstruct the means of escape?
How do you to ensure that fire doors will not be compromised by being kept open or blocked by stored materials?
Are you going to approach your fire authority on if it is safe to change the current accept MOE
In addition I would advise that you avoid using the corridor as a storage area until the change os use has been approved by local authorities.
How many people occupy this building?
GT
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Posted By bobby ross
Many thanks guys,
I will take on board all of these very useful comments and present a case to boss man and hopefully come up with some other alternatives to accomodate storage issues.
Bobby
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Posted By Crim
Bobby, I hope I'm not too late on this one.
I agree with Shaun, you could use the space for storage as long as you provide the right precautions, i.e. self closing fire doors and adequate signage on both faces of the doors. You could also introduce authorised key holders only having access etc. Also be careful what is stored there.
Hotels for example have linen storage cupboards in means of escape corridors and all they have is small "keep shut" signs on the doors.
If you don't allow authorised storage with adequate precautions you may find unauthorised storage instead with all the problems that will bring?
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