Why not go all the way and fit a Pole? :-) Or abseil ? I don't think it would be a good idea and I bet you think the same way having thought about it. Up to 40 people trying NOT to run from a fie and legging it down a spiral staircase? God help the infirm as no one else could. IMHO as ever. Rob

Also consider disability issues as new build should be such that disability is accounted for

Depends on the overall diameter. Last office block I worked in (former IBM building) had enclosed spiral stairwells on the outside of the main office block at the mid sction on each side. Each end of the block had normal stairwells internally which were the normal access/ egress routes, but doubled as fire protected emergency escape routes. check out BS: 5395-2 for guidance. As long as it is properly constructed, I can't see a problem - as long as mobility impaired persons are taken into consideration via an alternative escape route, but that is probably another topic.

Thanks for your support guys....... :) I’m not sold on the idea I can tell you, however supporting our operation is key and as long as I have considered the proposal I am happy with my initial 'OMG what are you thinking' reaction. I have read the specifications/guidance and should our operations decide that this is the route (hahaha) they want to take I have this info ready to share. We don’t have children or public on site and where these stairs would be situated we don’t allow visitors. Thank you for the great suggestion of the Fire Officer I have pencilled in a chat with him next week. Jo

OP, you will always get the standard "I can't believe you're even thinking of doing that, think of the children" etc. etc. responses here. I'm a little disappointed you've kind of stepped into that mantra too! Reality is that no-one knows your situation, who would be using the staircase, where it's located, the ability of your workforce etc. and other posters on this thread have given links that show that in your circumstance a spiral staircase is perfectly acceptable (whether it is recommended is a separate argument). Why not go back to them and say that in fact the guidance suggests this is OK so go ahead with this space saving measure? In my experience Fire Officers are disproportionately biased towards safety, even where there is no strict legal requirement relevant to their requests / opinion, so you may find the fire officer shares the same view as some on this thread (but they're must be some good ones around). Alternately why not contact a decent fire risk consult? These should provide an unbiased view on legal standings :-)