Need a little help here as fire safety is not my specialty. I was wondering how many fire escapes would be required for a small gym, internal building size is 20m by 25m, there is currently one exit door and one roller door (the premises were previously occupied by a flag manufacturer). I have calculated fire risk as low, considering potential hazards and risks, the number of people on the premises at any one time will be low (max 10).There will be a female and male changing room, a small office and private staff kitchen. These internal areas are situated to the left of the exit door. The majority of the remaining space will have weight lifting equipment plus a small track to be situation along one side of the building in front of the roller door (which is beside the exit door). Smoke detectors are to be fitted in all rooms. Having looked at firs risk assessment and precaution information, I am of the opinion that a second exit may be required, as the calculation of travel direct from the furthest part of the building to the current exit is approximately 30m. I would be grateful if anyone can give me some further insight to this matter.

SBH Thank you for your response. A second exit could be created at the far end of the space in the corner. However, steps will be required to access an exit door, as the land on the other side of the building is higher than the internal level. The builder proposed steps of wooden construction, would this be acceptable under the circumstances?

Check out BS 9999, it has a few easy to follow tables which will spell out what you need, its also handy when documenting your findings in a risk assessment to mention you used it as a guide just to keep yourself right.

Others have said BS9999 is a good document for travel distance and consider the equipment and how that will effect. Could the roller door not be utilised in any way with some adjustments has an alternative means of escape ? (difficult without seeing premises lay out).

I know that fire risk assessment involves making judgments, however I note that many people make prescriptive statements without backing this up with any references to support it. For instance, I believe, that a room with more then 60 people, above ground floor level, requires a second exit, and this comes from approved Doc B. Am I correct, or, does it come down to interpretation and judgement?