Rank: Forum user 
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hi,
i am looking for some guidance on the use of external scaffold as means of excape, in the event of fire. the building in question is undergoing extensive internal refurb works and is 3 floors in height.
can anyone point me in the right direction
Thanks
David
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Rank: Guest
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Hi David,
I'd talk to your local Fire officer and get guidance from them as to what they are comfortable with regarding compliance.
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi David,
I have never come across any guidance that deals with temporary means of escape. Thinking of the top of my head, and from the fire perspective, you would need to put similar measures in place for a permanent esacpe stair (ie fire resistance along its full length 1.8m horizontal and 9m vertical. Any doors opening onto the stair at 2nd, 1st and ground should be fire resisting and have self closing devices). You would have to consider covering the route from the elements, and also that they are a stair like construction rather than a ladder. I would also advise that you consider who will be using them (construction staff, the buildings staff or MOP) and in what numbers. Familiarity of esacpe routes is a big factor on whether people use them or not in an evacuation. There is then the normal scaffold safety issues.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I would agree with flukey and treat the temporary staircase as a.........er....staircase. From separation to emergency lighting & (perhaps) detection, just ignore the temporary status and carry on as usual.
In the event of building works, it is likely that the risk of fire will be increased, so there's perhaps little chance of relaxation of any control measures.
I'll have to disagree with Ciaran as I would not advise contact with the fire service.
In the UK they are the enforcing authority for FS legislation. It is not wise to rely on the friendly & cuddly fire safety inspector dishing out free advice (although there's plenty of them about). It is down to the RP to make their own RA. Involving the fire service may end up with unwelcome enforcement rather than assistance.
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Rank: Forum user
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Rank: Forum user
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I would look at HSG 168 and The Joint Code of Practice for fire safety in construction sites. You can use an external scaffold as a means of escape, if the internal staircase is closed due to work.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Check regs 39-40 CDM, dont froget the welfare regs 13 and 18 they still count even on a construction site.
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