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Posted By Brenda H
When you reach final exits from buildings and step outside, the area you step on to should be level and of a certain size shouldn it?
I know you need to accommodate wheelchair user's etc, but how much of a step is acceptable, or not and if we put down a level threshold, will it have to cover a certain area?
I'm sure I remember something from old that said it had to be a certain size etc, can't find anything specific in the usual guidance docs. If anyone can point me to a reference that would be good.
Thanks
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Posted By Chris Smith RSP
Brenda.
A bit of a wooley answer, but your fire risk assessment should have reviewed it and decided if it is acceptable taking into consideration the use, occupancy, light etc etc.
The guidance to the RRO (offices and shops) says, "movement of persons up or down a group of not less then three steps will be so obvious to those following that they will be prepared for the change in level, but movement up or down one level is not so readily observed and may easily lead to a fall.
Wherever practicable, differences in levels in corridors, passages and lobbies should be overcome by the provision of inclines, ramps or gradients not exceeding 1 in 12 or steps not having less than three risers in any flight. Corridors and passages should be level for a distance of 1.5 metres in each direction from any steps."
Although aimed at passages and corridors, perhaps the same should apply.
Hope this helps.
CS
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Posted By steve e ashton
Many moons ago (around 25years...) - on a site which spanned the border between two county councils in England - and hence two different fire brigades responsible for fire certificates ...
One brigade was happy for the final exit to open onto a set of steps or a ramp. The other insisted on a minimum platform of two metres width before any change in level. The argument being that persons exiting from a fire situation may be bunched and should have some opportunity to 'steady up' before negotiating stairs etc...
So - the answer USED to be 'it depends where you are'. I suspect it may now have got standardised in building regs - but I have no idea what the current ruling may be.
Steve
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Posted By Brenda H
Hmmm, it's not the area within the building, i.e. the corridors, but the final exits out.
I seem to recall there was something about a minimum width platform before you proceed down the steps.
It seems odd to me that whilst exiting outside, stepping down and out would be acceptable, people could trip and create a pile up of people!
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By steve e ashton
Brenda - I agree it seems strange. However the reality was that several of the buildings on that site had exit doors which opened to drops of 2-5 feet. Stairs were required. The site was congested - so the stairs were (nearly always) built as close to the building as possible to minimise roadway incursions. When one fire brigade began insisting on the provision of a 2 metre external threshold platform to be fitted before the change of level(retrospectively) - it caused immense practical problems.
As I said - it was many moons ago, and things (may) have changed. I would certainly usually expect to see a threshold platform of suitable size these days - and have in fact recently commented on a 'step down' immediately outside a fire exit - but I don't know the current 'standards' based answer.
I am aware of some cases - a building in a conservation area for example - where it is impossible to satisfy every obligation. Constructing or extending an exit platform may not be allowed under planning laws - and its costly to go to court to argue that H&S takes precedence..
Steve
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