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Upstairs office with only one access route !!!
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Posted By lewes
We have an existing building that has a large office upstairs and only has one main access route to it (via the stairs). Approx 15 people work upstairs.
Does anyone know if this is illegal and suggestions how I can overcome this.
Also, the toilets for the main office complex are upstairs and may not be accessible for those who have restricted mobilty.
Are these safety problems or more in the realms of building regs / disability
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Posted By John Webster
A single escape route is quite common, and perfectly acceptable if other conditions are met. Depending upon the type of building and layout etc, there is a maximum distance to a safe escape route which must not be exceeded and is contained in building regs. The safe escape route will be constructed in such a way that it is virtually fireproof, for example it will have fire doors (1 hour resistant, self closing) at top and bottom of the stairwell and at any intermediate levels. The staircase will be steel or concrete, or, if wood, lined with fire retardant material etc
If in doubt, contact your local fire safety officer at the fire brigade.
As for toilets, you do not have to provide access for disabled people if your upstairs office is not physically providing any service to the public. However, be aware that should a disabled person apply for a job in that office, you would have to treat them equally and, if selected, be prepared to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate their disability.
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Posted By Lorraine Shuker
One of our offices has a similar set up and in addition to the precautions already mentioned we are barred from storing any combustible materials anywhere along the escape route. This included the lobby which we had been using as a reception area ~ we had to clear it completely.
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Upstairs office with only one access route !!!
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