However, exceptions are allowed where travel distances are short and numbers are low. There is a core principle that there should normally be at least two escape routes. The number of escape routes and exits to be provided depends on the number of occupants in the room, tier or storey in question and the limits on travel distance to the nearest exit. In common with other sources of guidance on the subject, Approved Document B states: Other places to look are the sector-specific guides to fire risk assessment issued by the Department of Communities and Local Government (and equivalents issued in Scotland) and BS9999, “Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings.” (In Scotland the equivalent is the Technical Handbook (Non-domestic) Section 2 – Fire and in Northern Ireland, NBS Technical Booklet E.) The Building Regulations Approved Document B covers the fire safety design of buildings in England and Wales. Although the Building Regulations apply to new buildings and alterations, they’re a good source of information. There are a number of sources of advice for those in the UK. When building alterations or new buildings are proposed.When temporary facilities such as marquees are erected.Temporary building works which might require closure of some routes.Where exits have been permanently obstructed.A change of use to a higher fire risk category.a former office becoming used as a conference space, a storage area being converted to a shop

Under usual circumstances a building is designed for a particular purpose, and the design and build process is well regulated with the outcome being a structure that remains more or less suitable during its lifetime.īut sometimes a building’s use may change and we may need to reconsider the suitability of the fire exits.Įxamples of the times when we need to consider the suitability of exits are:

Fire escape building