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Parker20149  
#1 Posted : 16 January 2012 13:49:07(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Parker20149

The number of people in our open plan office is due to increase and we need to make sure people can get out quickly in an emergency. Are there defined distances to allow access between desks? People talk about 1m gaps for the main route but can the individual desks that are not on the main evacuation route be placed closer together?

any help on safe office layout appreciated.
Ron Hunter  
#2 Posted : 16 January 2012 14:07:38(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter

There is no simple answer to your query as much will depend on size, occupancy and layout of the office. There is I believe an absolute minimum figure of 800mm you can work with, but that's no good if you have mobility impaired or wheelchair users to consider. Final exit route considerations must accord with BS5588. Your Fire Risk Assessor can advise.
As you "squeeze" that overall work area and bring more people and equipment in, so you add to problematic issues such as thermal comfort, air quality, nuisance noise, electrical supplies, etc.
A Kurdziel  
#3 Posted : 16 January 2012 14:39:09(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
A Kurdziel

We work to 1600 mm between desks (assuming people working back to back). This is based both of the Fire risk assessment and the Workplace regs 11m3 space recommendations.
But this is based on the size of desk we are using in our offices and the layout of the desks. It is based on experience and what people will accept. So there is no universally correct answer.
Ninelivesrisk  
#4 Posted : 16 January 2012 15:40:34(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Ninelivesrisk

Adding to A Kurdziel comments, it should also be noted that 11m3 in reg 11 ACOP (welfare Regs) is a minimum requirement per person and may be insufficient if much of the room is taken up by furniture. Consideration may also be given to legal requirements in reg 12(3) of welfare regs, that increased restriction of access and egress route could lead to an increase of trips risks, as these routes may be at more risk of becoming congested with personal and office items. However I would agree the is no definitive value and it will be based on a "site specific" assessment of those significant risks and fire risks.
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