Is there any regs/acops about fitting air conditioning condensers under the outside fire escape stairs. I have tried to search but can not find anything. The contractor siad its OK but I am not sure. Thanks bentoby

Thanks for your confidence Phil - no pressure then :-( Not being an expert in Air Con units but having some competence in fire safety I would recommend not siting these units under external fire escape stairs. There are reports of fires involving air con units in the past. There is an exclusion zone around the stairs above, to both sides and below for fire resisting walls, doors and windows so why not for fitting such equipment as well? The units are powered and contain pressurised gases and will also create a breach in the fire resistance of the wall for plumbing and electrics. While such breaches can be sealed correctly sometimes they are not. My advice is to find another location.

I'd agree with Chris, there should be no potential source of ignition near escape stairs where flames could affect people evacuating, even if fires are infrequent, John

My first thought is that I don't think it is a real issue - there would have to be a fire inside the building AND the aircon unit on fire separately............unlikely. However, the aircon could catch fire, alarm is triggered and users of the emergency exit stairs would be exposed to the smoke and flames................. So. on 2nd thougths - don't put it there.

Thank you all for your comments and noted. The contractors have been advised to resite (at least that what I have advised the managment team) Thanks again Bentoby

Fire escapes are in essence protected due to the compartment created by the external wall, any cutting in to the wall will create an exit route for smoke, flames and heat. Take a look at BS9999 where it states that the external wall within 3m has to be fire resistant.