Fire escape stairs

[cornishjoinery]

Hi guys,

Asked to make some stairs for outside balcony, they have to be used as a fire escape. I was wondering if they have to be closed (ie with tread and riser)? cant find anything about fire escape stairs. Many thanks

 

[Phil Pascoe]

A wooden fire escape? Novel.

 

[Graham Orm]

The only external one I've fitted had to be steel.

 

[beaver]

I know of three people who have fitted fire escapes in the last twelve months, here in Kent. all had to be steel sorry!

 

[blackrodd]

I put external fire escape stairs on google and there'e wiki, who go into some detail on rise, going and width.
And parts "B" and "N" possibly relevent to you're query.
I made some ages ago, IIRC, there is a maximum flight length, between landings, which I believe is 16 treads.
I have only had a swift look, and didn't see any mention of this, just be aware, this may still be a requirement.
HTH Regards Rodders

 

[Philbo]

It's also worth noting that the handrails on the stairs have to be a certain height to conform to regulation. I just had a quick google and I believe its 900-1000mm from the pitch line or floor. Please check though!

Edit: this document looks useful:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/s ... 077370.pdf

 

[Graham Orm]

From recollection the spindles have to be a certain width apart, in order that you can't get your head stuck, or a child can't fall through or something trivial like that.

 

[Bigbud78]

From recollection the spindles have to be a certain width apart, in order that you can't get your head stuck, or a child can't fall through or something trivial like that.

100mm

Ive got a copy of BS5395-1:2000 that I can email, building regs are here http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/buildi ... documents/

 

[stuartpaul]

I'd suggest that you have a chat with the local fire enforcers, - this might save you a deal of aggro at a later date. Seem to remember that any openings (windows etc.) onto the escape route have to be at least 1/2 hour fire resistance as well.

As I said, chat to local fire bods. Usually bery helpful as it's in thier interest to get it right first time as well.

 

[cornishjoinery]

Thanks everyone for your help, i think best thing to do is to call local fire dude tomorrow and give them a shout. Its a hard one really because you could jump of the balcony in a fire, and if the outside steps are on fire then i think anyone inside would be long gone!