I have stayed in a couple of hotels recently (in the UK)with very odd fire escape routes in that they went from public areas - corridoor / hallway INTO a guest bedroom and then to an external fire esacape. What are your views on this, and is it an accepted means of exit / escape? Ta.

Burns33145 is spot on. Here's Article 14 of the RRFSO: Emergency routes and exits 14. —(1) Where necessary in order to safeguard the safety of relevant persons, the responsible person must ensure that routes to emergency exits from premises and the exits themselves are kept clear at all times. (2) The following requirements must be complied with in respect of premises where necessary (whether due to the features of the premises, the activity carried on there, any hazard present or any other relevant circumstances) in order to safeguard the safety of relevant persons— (a) emergency routes and exits must lead as directly as possible to a place of safety; (b) in the event of danger, it must be possible for persons to evacuate the premises as quickly and as safely as possible; (c) the number, distribution and dimensions of emergency routes and exits must be adequate having regard to the use, equipment and dimensions of the premises and the maximum number of persons who may be present there at any one time; (d) emergency doors must open in the direction of escape; (e) sliding or revolving doors must not be used for exits specifically intended as emergency exits; (f) emergency doors must not be so locked or fastened that they cannot be easily and immediately opened by any person who may require to use them in an emergency; (g) emergency routes and exits must be indicated by signs; and (h) emergency routes and exits requiring illumination must be provided with emergency lighting of adequate intensity in the case of failure of their normal lighting.

Be careful of this list. It may not apply on every occasion, but only WHERE NECESSARY (my capitals). This means, subject to a FRA. For instance, doors do not have to open in the direction of travel, but they do WHERE NECESSARY. (usually if > than 60 persons may be required to use the door to evacuate, or where a rapid evacuation may be required - eg. a paint shop) There's a few of these 'where necessary's in the Order. So be careful when quoting FS provisions as 'you shall'(a requirement) as that's is rarely the case

Agree with mssy as I have often steered away from the FSO if required in the assessment. However I listed the order for information. I would always expect competent assessors to understand the order and where necessary use alternate solutions if the risk cannot be controlled via the usual means SBH

I recently stayed overnight in a Tudor Pub in the middle of a very small town near Kidderminster. We were shown the way to our room, over the public bar, through winding passages and creaky old staircases, then the manager told us she will show us the fire exit and led us through more winding passages and to the head of an external metal staircase that led directly onto a footpath then to safety. I thought she was very fire conscious and showing us the MOE due to her FRA responsibilities until she told us she was only showing us that way 'cos it was an easier way to get back in if we went out, to save us going through the pub.