Posted By Ken Taylor We are in the realms of fire risk assessment here - but clear risks to the means of escape should be removed. This is particularly important on stairways and dead-end corridors. There is some stuff on this in 'Fire Safety: An Employers Guide' and 'Managing School Facilities Guide 6: Fire Safety' - and the fire officer would have something to say about this at an inspection. Glass frames and display cabinets are considered a better option for displayed artwork.

Posted By Richard Altoft Go back to first principles and consider how sources of ignition can be controlled. Secondly how fire will be detected and alarm raised. thirdly how escape will be ensured and arranged in required time, consider distances of escape and special needs of anyone involved, children, large groups, elderly or people with special difficulties. Lastly consider fire fighting and need for sprinklers to give time for escape etc.First help fire fighting, raising alarm with brigade, access for fire brigade etc.In otehr words do a risk assessment and act on findings What have your insurers said about all this????? R G Altoft

Posted By Stephen J W Clegg. Hello Gill, do the public have access these areas or is it a 'secure' environment? Have you considered Arson attacks? In some buildings e.g. schools, the practice of having items such as notices, loose paper etc. pinned to walls, is discouraged as this appeals to the minds of the folk breaking-in and reaping as much damage as possible i.e. they set fire to them! My personal opinion is that if these areas are used for the purpose of evacuation, they should be as sterile as possible. Hope this helps.