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Posted By David Ferrier
We are planning to rearrange our office layout to accommodate more workstations and I've been asked this question by our Admin folk.
In an open plan office, is it acceptable to run cables (power and IT comms)across an escape route if they are contained underneath ramped, rubber cable connectors? The area is not accessible to wheelchair users, as we have another area that is. This is the main route, within the office area, leading to the fire exit.
My feeling is that it is not acceptable, as any such covers would, however shallow, still provide trip hazards, but would appreciate any comments.
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Posted By Richard Altoft
Could ask yourself -- is it reasonably practicable to improve on this situation?
Could formally Risk assess bearing in mind people should be walking not running, emergency lighting should be on (How good is it????????? - when did you last check it, how long will stay effective ????????) and exposure in terms of times evacuation will ever will happen, numbers of people involved and is a trip/fall likely to result in serious injury or impede escape of others
R
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Posted By David Ferrier
My correction; please read "cable covers" rather than "cable connectors".
David
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Posted By Glyn Atkinson
If there is absolutely no way that the cable run across a walkway / escape route cannot be engineered out, then use fluorescent paint on the rubber cable runs to clearly show where they are - if they stand out like a sore thumb, then so be it, that's the idea - to be visible and not a trip hazard.
Can these cables not go up at height in protective tracks and then across the room instead?
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Posted By MT
Is there no other way of re-routing the cables? How about across the ceiling rather than the floor? Or can the sockets or telephone points in question be moved to the correct position? Something is obviously wrong in the set-up of the working environment before it is necessary for cables to run across the floor.
I would advise investigating all other options first and consider cable covers as a last resort.
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Posted By Mitch
I fully concur with MT, run them around the door frame, this is reasonably practicable.
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Posted By Martin
cables in a Fire escape route.
BS 7671:2008. page 65, title Precautions
Where Particular Risks of Fire Exits.
Sub paragraph 422.2.1 wiring systems shall not encroach on escape routes unless the wiring in the wiring system is provided with sheaths or enclosures, provided by the cable management system itself or by other means.
Wiring systems in escape routes shall be non-flame propagating.
In short I would not recommend any other cabling system to encroach into any fire escape route.
The fire escape route may be your only means of achieving a safe escape in the event of fire.
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Posted By Ron Hunter
IMHO no - not acceptable. The "planning" element of your proposals should be looking at the provision of fixed sockets near workstations and a reduction in the use of extension cables which I would suggest (in a work context) are only for temporary use.
Power, data & printer hub cables can be fed in an "up and over" fashion to floor-to-ceiling pillars (you can buy these pillars)to give a much safer and tidier layout, with the added benefit of giving you almost infinite scope as to how you lay out your desk arrangements.
Go on - you know you want to!
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Posted By David Ferrier
Thanks for all responses; some useful comments.
We are looking at a temporary arrangement, in order to solve a shortage of accommodation and will be moving into larger premises shortly.
I'll look at all the options.
Regards
David
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