Posted By Laurie Carolyn I am reluctant to allow anything under stairs, especially something that operates at high temperature and contains ignitable quantities of paper! Even if there is nothing the stairwell to support combustion, it will act as a chimney, channelling heat and smoke upwards. We will no doubt see some comment from professional fire fighters, but I suggest you put the point to your local fire prevention officer. I will be surprised if he/she is anything other than absolutely aghast! Laurie

Posted By Carolyn Dark How about if the photocopier was boxed in, i.e. a metal casing was built around it with an automatic door and there was no paper stored in the area, except that which was in the photocopier.

Posted By Ken Taylor On the idea of boxing in photocopiers: the operators will need adequate ventilation as well as the machines. There are by-products from photocopying (including Ozone and toner) which necessitate good ventilation and which may, in smaller areas, require air extraction (and provision for make-up air). As to the suggested understairs location: it is unusual for a stairway serving a final exit required for emergency evacuation not to form part of a protected route. Whilst not having seen the situation, I would be most surprised if the suggestion was acceptable to the fire authority unless there is sufficient room to form a safe workplace conforming with the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations and Building Regulations by constructing a fire-resisting compartment with a fire-resisting self-closing door and adequate ventilation.