Fire Exit

Existing Laws on Fire Exits

In the United Kingdom, it is now a law for new buildings with a height of more than 2 storeys high, to have fire exits or any alternative means of exiting or leaving the building in case of fires or any kind of natural emergencies that needs the evacuation of the buildings occupants. It is also mandatory that all fire exits must have signs above them that clearly display what that exit is to be used for. With regards to the person in charge of the safety of the buildings occupants, he must ensure that the routes leading to the emergency exits of the building and the exits themselves have exit stoppers to prevent unnecessary use and should be kept clear of any obstructions at all times.

Here are the procedures for danger areas that the responsible person must comply with:

1. Formulate and implement the necessary procedures and safety drills that will be followed in the event of a fire emergency or any possible danger to relevant persons that may arise.
2. Appoint sufficient number of persons that are capable of implementing the necessary procedures with regards to the evacuation of every person that are present in the premises.
3. Ensure that no one or nothing will hinder the passage of any individual to the designated escape routes.

When you talk about health and safety in the UK there are various rules and regulations that are being implemented not just in the workplace but also in places where people will get together or gather in large groups. The same goes with all business and residential establishments, the person in charge with the safety must ensure that they have the necessary fire escape equipments and fire safety equipments in their premises as required by law. They must also have sufficient number of emergency exit and fire exit signs placed above every available fire exits. Exit stoppers must also be installed in every fire exits to prevent unnecessary use of any fire exits. And most important of all, fire and smoke seals should be installed to hasten the spread of fire and toxic fumes. Below are also some of the important requirements that must be complied with in regards to emergency escape routes and exits:

1. People must be able to evacuate the premises safely and quickly as possible in cases of emergency.
2. Emergency exit doors must open in the direction of the escape route.
3. Emergency exit doors must be well maintained and kept in working condition so that they can be easily and immediately accessed by any person in case of an emergency.
4. Emergency escape routes and fire exit must lead, as much as possible, to areas that will provide safety to individuals.
5. Emergency escape routes and exits must be properly indicated by signs.
6. Emergency escape routes and exits must be well illuminated with emergency lighting in the case of power failure.
7. The number, locations and proportions of emergency escape routes and exits must be sufficient with regard to the maximum number of persons who may be present in the premises at any given time.
8. Sliding or revolving exit doors must not be used as emergency exits.

All the safety measures mentioned in this article must be followed, as much as possible, in order to save lives and properties.