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HL  
#1 Posted : 13 December 2012 10:29:26(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
HL

Our back exit door leads to a 'lean-to' then the final exit. The lean-to stores plastic storage boxes but there is a clear path to the final door. Can we use these as fire exit doors, if suitably signed, or would our main front door be enough? Furthest distance to front door is approx 28 feet, low risk environment (pharmacy). Thanks for any advice
firesafety101  
#2 Posted : 13 December 2012 18:15:56(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101

It all depends on circumstances and your fire risk assessment.

A shop is OK to have just one door as long as the route through to outside is always clear.

I suggest a fire extinguisher just inside the door as well.

Fire alarm can be a simple shout of "FIRE".

Watch any flammables being stored on or near to the route to the door.

You may wish to keep the rear exit clear as well just in case.

messyshaw  
#3 Posted : 13 December 2012 19:32:11(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
messyshaw

HL - It's so difficult to reply to what on face value, looks such a simple question, without seeing the situation in it's entirety.

A single direction of travel around 18m (59ft) is acceptable in some circumstances, so the 28' you refer to should not be a problem

But it can be dangerous to focus on travel distances only when determining an escape strategy/plan. Have a look a the Dept of Community fire safety guides (free to down load) for further info on how to carry out a full FRA
A Kurdziel  
#4 Posted : 14 December 2012 09:31:30(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
A Kurdziel

Normally I stay clear of fire-related issues, leaving it to people who can remember travel distances and the different categories of firedoors. But there is one thing that concerns me, “lean-to stores plastic storage boxes but there is a clear path to the final door.” Is there always a clear path to he final door? In my experience it is an unwritten law of storage areas that the amount of stuff in them multiples until it fills the marked out storage areas and spills out on the walkways. If you said the stuff was in cages or behind some sort of barrier I’d be less concerned. How well managed is the storage area? Would you describe the escape route as protected? Remember on this forum we have had arguments over whether putting children’s artwork on a school corridor removes its status as a protected fire escape route.
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