Fire Safety - Escape travel distances

Further guidance regarding escape routes.

This section provides further guidance on the general principles that apply to escape routes and provides examples of typical escape route solutions for a range of common building layouts. The guidance is based on premises of normal risk so if your premises (or part of your premises) are higher (or lower) risk you should adapt the solution accordingly.

Travel distances

Having established the number and location of people and the exit capacity required to evacuate them safely, you now need to confirm that the number and location of existing exits is adequate. This is normally determined by the distance people have to travel to reach them. In new buildings which have been designed and constructed in accordance with modern building standards the travel distances will already have been calculated. Once you have completed your fire risk assessment you need to confirm that those distances are still relevant. When assessing travel distances you need to consider the distance to be travelled by people when escaping, allowing for walking around furniture or display material etc. The distance should be measured from all parts of the premises (e.g. from the most remote part of an office or shop on any floor) to the nearest place of reasonable safety which is:

  • A protected stairway enclosure (a storey exit)
  • A separate fire compartment from which there is a final exit to a place of total safety.
  • The nearest available final exit

Suggested travel distances

Where more than one escape route is provided:

  • 25m in higher fire-risk area.
  • 45M in normal fire-risk area.
  • 60m in lower fire-risk area.

Where only a single escape route is provided:

  • 12m in higher fire-risk area.
  • 18m in normal fire-risk area.
  • 25m in lower fire-risk area.

The travel distances given above are based on those recommended in Approved Document B of the Building Regulation and are intended to complement the other fire safety recommendations in Approved Document B. Your current escape route travel distances may be different from these since they may be based on recommendations made in alternative guidance. Where your route leads to more than one final exit, but only allows initial travel in a single direction (e.g. from a room or dead end), then this initial travel distance should be limited to that for a "single escape route". However, your total travel distance should not exceed that for "more than one escape route".

Measuring travel distances

The route taken through a room or space will be determined by the layout of the contents e.g. work stations, aisle layout. It is good practice to ensure routes to the exits are kept as direct and short as possible. In small rooms there may only be one exit but in larger rooms or area there may be many exits. In some cases where the contents are moved around or the space is liable to frequent change, e.g. in a storage area or where racking is moveable you should ensure that the exits, or the routes to them, do not become blocked or the length of the route is not significantly extended.

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Escape travel distances

Further guidance regarding escape routes This section provides further guidance on the general principles that apply to escape routes and provides examples of typical escape route solutions for a range of common building layouts. The guidance is based on premises of normal risk so if your premises (or part of your premises) are higher (or lower) risk you should adapt the solution accordingly. Travel distances Having established the number and location of people and the exit capacity required to evacuate them safely, you now need to confirm that the number and location of existing exits is adequate. This is normally determined by the distance people have to travel to reach them. In new buildings which have been designed and constructed in accordance with modern building standards the travel distances will already have been calculated. Once you have completed your fire risk assessment you need to confirm that those distances are still relevant. When assessing travel distances you need to consider the distance to be travelled by people when escaping, allowing for walking around furniture or display material etc. The distance should be measured from all parts of the premises (e.g. from the most remote part of an office or shop on any floor) to the nearest place of reasonable safety which is: A protected stairway enclosure (a storey exit) A separate fire compartment from which there is a final exit to a place of total safety. The nearest available final exit Suggested travel distances Where more than one escape route is provided: 25m in higher fire-risk area. 45M in normal fire-risk area. 60m in lower fire-risk area. Where only a single escape route is provided: 12m in higher fire-risk area. 18m in normal fire-risk area. 25m in lower fire-risk area. The travel distances given above are based on those recommended in Approved Document B of the Building Regulation and are intended to complement the other fire safety recommendations in Approved Document B. Your current escape route travel distances may be different from these since they may be based on recommendations made in alternative guidance. Where your route leads to more than one final exit, but only allows initial travel in a single direction (e.g. from a room or dead end), then this initial travel distance should be limited to that for a "single escape route". However, your total travel distance should not exceed that for "more than one escape route". Measuring travel distance The route taken through a room or space will be determined by the layout of the contents e.g. work stations, aisle layout. It is good practice to ensure routes to the exits are kept as direct and short as possible. In small rooms there may only be one exit but in larger rooms or area there may be many exits. In some cases where the contents are moved around or the space is liable to frequent change, e.g. in a storage area or where racking is moveable you should ensure that the exits, or the routes to them, do not become blocked or the length of the route is not significantly extended.

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Going the Distance – Extended Travel Distances

Going the Distance – Extended Travel Distances

What is Travel Distances?

The main benefit of Smoke Ventilation Systems is the removal of smoke from a building in the event of a fire to allow residents to escape safely, but they can also offer additional advantages, namely allowing the extension of travel distances.

Defined as the actual distance to be travelled by a person from any point within a floor area to the nearest storey exit, the travel distances permitted under Approved Document B (ADB) of the Building Regulations 2000 vary depending on a property’s use and the area of the building in question.

ADB Recommendations

In residential premises such as apartment blocks, the maximum distance from a dwelling entrance door to a common staircase, or to a door to a lobby in corridor-access single-stair flats is 7.5m where there is only one direction of escape.

Travel Distances

When a flat is served by more than one common stair giving more than one direction of escape, the maximum distance from a dwelling entrance door to a common staircase increases to 30m.

single direction of travel fire safety

Source: Approved Document B

However, in shops and commercial buildings, this increases to 18m in one direction, or 45m in multiple directions. Even greater still are the travel distances permitted under ADB for industrial premises, with 25m in one direction, though the 45m limit still applied where there is more than one direction of escape.

Why Extend Travel Distances?

As you might expect, having restrictions imposed on a building’s design is never ideal, especially when converting from one property type to another, such as commercial to residential, where the need to reduce travel distances from 18m to 7.5m can introduce a number of complications.

Fortunately, there is another way, which can increase design flexibility and a development’s profitability.

As Approved Document B is a guidance document, its requirements can be met in other ways, provided this gives the same or a greater level of fire safety as if it was followed. By taking an ‘engineered’ approach, which looks at buildings on a case-by-case basis to identify the most suitable way of complying with regulations, travel distances can be extended, chiefly through the installation of smoke ventilation systems.

How to Achieve Extended Travel Distances with Mechanical Smoke Ventilation

Mechanical smoke ventilation systems, which consist of a powered fan mounted at roof level connected to smoke ventilation shafts, offer far greater efficiency compared to the natural systems accounted for by ADB.

Due to this greater effectiveness in removing smoke from common corridors in the event of a fire, mechanical systems can allow travel distances to be extended, with the more rapid clearance of smoke effectively providing occupants with more time in which to reach a place of safety.

The Be Safe Direct Offering

At Be Safe Direct we offer a range of mechanical smoke ventilation systems and components, and our team can work with you to identify the most appropriate system for your project by reviewing your design plans.

For more information on our systems, and to speak to our team about your next project, just get in touch: https://www.besafedirect.com/contacts

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Fire safety - Approved Document B vs BS 9999

Like all Approved Documents, following the guidance contained in ADB will result in a compliant solution, it is however not the only solution available for many building designs.

Building Regulation Approved Document B can be applied to more common building solutions, but can prove unacceptable for larger, more complex buildings. By taking a more holistic view to fire safety, BS 9999 allows compensatory measures to offset, e.g. travel distances and/ or total escape door width.

In a worked example for a supermarket, by following ADB, maximum travel distances of 18 m for egress in a single direction and 45 m for escape in two directions, and a minimum aggregated exit width (after discounting the largest exit) of 7500 mm would need to be applied. Following the basic approach suggested in BS 9999, the maximum travel distances could be increased to 20 m and 50 m, with the aggregated exit width reduced to 6150 mm. By introducing variations such as automatic fire detection and increased ceiling height, to the basic calculations, the maximum travel distance could be increased to 25 m and 62.5 m and exit width reduced to 4613 mm. One word of warning however, although satisfying the Regulations for Part B, you may fall foul of other parts, e.g. Approved Document M.

BS 9999 has in part superseded BS 5588, the only parts of which are still current are those that relate to residential properties. BS 9999 has to be applied in its entirety, you cannot dip into it for piecemeal solutions.

Although some fire safety knowledge is required, BS 9999 could be a useful tool for many designers.

John Boanson

Former Technical Author at NBS

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What is The Golden Thread? 12 March 2020 | by NBS In the construction industry there's a lot of discussion around the 'golden thread of information'. But what is it? BIM (Building Information Modelling) Design and Specification Standards and Regulations Fire safety Read more

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The LWF Blog

Thinking outside the box – part one – escape stair and common corridor – fire engineering solutions.

Historically, residential buildings have been restricted in design by prescriptive building standards and codes of practice. These stereotypical layouts have the advantage of adhering to fire safety measures, but stifle creativity and design flair.

Developers are now being tasked with larger, more complex designs and more traditional designs are seen as restrictive and inappropriate for high profile, modern developments.

Fire safety cannot be ignored during the design process and so the challenge of how to design a fire safe and innovative build becomes paramount to architects, developers and fire safety consultants, such as LWF.

Escape stair and common corridor

In the UK, it is accepted that egress without the use of a protected escape stair for any floor over 4.5m above access level is not practical.

Approved Document B of the Building Regulations states that the maximum travel distance within the common corridor is 7.5m, when measured from the furthest flat entrance door to the escape stair, for example. Opening vents measuring 1.5sq m are typically installed at each end of the common corridor and an open-able vent to the stair.

These tenets mean that if the length of the common corridor exceeds 7.5m, a second stairway will be required. Economy and efficiency in many modern builds means that the construction of a second stairway is an unattractive proposition.

Fire engineering solutions can enable extensions that would not otherwise be possible. While minor extensions can be agreed without additional fire safety measures being implemented on occasion; a significant extension or an extended single direction travel distance would necessitate a fire-engineered design. One such design could be a ‘push-pull’ system; mechanical extract and natural supply ducts at opposite ends of the corridor, coupled with backup equipment and smoke detectors to activate the system in case of fire. This would effectively remove limitations on the distance to travel and travel distances up to 20m in a single direction become a possibility.

During the evacuation stage while occupants from the fire origin flat are evacuating, air is supplied from the inlet point at one end of the common corridor and extracted at the other end. This has the effect of preventing smoke from entering neighbouring flats and the single stairway. However, the system alters (i.e. both fans extract smoke) during fire service intervention and the principal is to keep the corridor smoke free so that fire service can approach the flat of fire origin. In order to achieve this, the supply fan is put into reverse by the fire brigade and smoke is extracted from the common corridor. Make up air comes from the open door from the single escape stairway. To assist this arrangement, the door from the stair needs to be designed to open into the common corridor at each level, without impeding occupant egress or fire brigade access.      

In comparison to a code compliant layout for common corridors, the equipment cost associated with the fire engineered solution will impact on the building cost. However, a cost/benefit analysis should be undertaken and the cost of the system is often outweighed by the additional space provision achieved within the building due to the provision of a single escape stair. 

Any fire engineered solution is subject to acceptance by the approving authority. One difficulty with this approach is that there is no performance requirement given for the code compliant layout so there are no defined acceptance criteria for the performance of an alternative method. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of a fire engineered solution there are different approaches that can be followed:

  • A comparative approach attempts to compare the conditions achieved using a code compliant solution and show that the engineered solution can achieve the same or better conditions. 
  • A deterministic approach sets out acceptance criteria based upon physical properties required for life safety such as temperature, toxicity of smoke or visibility and then attempts to show that these criteria are met. 
  • A probabilistic approach attempts to show that the probability of a defined hazard is so low that the risk can be considered to be acceptable. 
  • In all of the above approaches some degree of computational modelling is likely to be required to quantify results.   

Part two of the ‘Thinking outside the box’ series will look at the internal planning of flats.

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  • 1910.36 - Design and construction requirements for exit routes.
  • Part Number: 1910
  • Part Number Title: Occupational Safety and Health Standards
  • Subpart: 1910 Subpart E
  • Subpart Title: Exit Routes and Emergency Planning
  • Standard Number: 1910.36
  • Title: Design and construction requirements for exit routes.
  • GPO Source: e-CFR

Basic requirements . Exit routes must meet the following design and construction requirements:

An exit route must be permanent . Each exit route must be a permanent part of the workplace.

An exit must be separated by fire resistant materials . Construction materials used to separate an exit from other parts of the workplace must have a one-hour fire resistance-rating if the exit connects three or fewer stories and a two-hour fire resistance-rating if the exit connects four or more stories.

Openings into an exit must be limited . An exit is permitted to have only those openings necessary to allow access to the exit from occupied areas of the workplace, or to the exit discharge. An opening into an exit must be protected by a self-closing fire door that remains closed or automatically closes in an emergency upon the sounding of a fire alarm or employee alarm system. Each fire door, including its frame and hardware, must be listed or approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Section 1910.155(c)(3)(iv)(A) of this part defines “listed” and § 1910.7 of this part defines a “nationally recognized testing laboratory.”

The number of exit routes must be adequate -

Two exit routes . At least two exit routes must be available in a workplace to permit prompt evacuation of employees and other building occupants during an emergency, except as allowed in paragraph (b)(3) of this section. The exit routes must be located as far away as practical from each other so that if one exit route is blocked by fire or smoke, employees can evacuate using the second exit route.

More than two exit routes . More than two exit routes must be available in a workplace if the number of employees, the size of the building, its occupancy, or the arrangement of the workplace is such that all employees would not be able to evacuate safely during an emergency.

A single exit route . A single exit route is permitted where the number of employees, the size of the building, its occupancy, or the arrangement of the workplace is such that all employees would be able to evacuate safely during an emergency.

Note to paragraph (b) of this section: For assistance in determining the number of exit routes necessary for your workplace, consult NFPA 101-2009, Life Safety Code, or IFC-2009, International Fire Code (incorporated by reference, see § 1910.6).

Exit discharge .

The door that connects any room to an exit route must swing out in the direction of exit travel if the room is designed to be occupied by more than 50 people or if the room is a high hazard area ( i.e. , contains contents that are likely to burn with extreme rapidity or explode).

The capacity of an exit route may not decrease in the direction of exit route travel to the exit discharge.

Note to paragraph (f) of this section: Information regarding the “Occupant load” is located in NFPA 101-2009, Life Safety Code, and in IFC-2009, International Fire Code (incorporated by reference, see § 1910.6).

An outdoor exit route is permitted . Each outdoor exit route must meet the minimum height and width requirements for indoor exit routes and must also meet the following requirements:

[FR 67 67962, Nov. 7, 2002; 76 FR 33606, June 8, 2011; 79 FR 76897, Dec. 23, 2014]

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Part D1 Provision for escape

Deemed-to-satisfy provisions, d1.0 deemed-to-satisfy provisions.

Where a Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution is proposed, Performance Requirements DP1 to DP6 , DP8 and DP9 are satisfied by complying with—

D1.1 to D1.17 , D2.1 to D2.25 and D3.1 to D3.12 ; and

in a building containing an atrium , Part G3 ; and

in a building in an alpine area , Part G4 ; and

for a building containing an occupiable outdoor area , Part G6 ; and

for additional requirements for Class 9b buildings, Part H1 ; and

for public transport buildings, Part H2 ; and

for farm sheds , Part H3 .

Where a Performance Solution is proposed, the relevant Performance Requirements must be determined in accordance with A2.2(3) and A2.4(3) as applicable.

Performance Requirement DP7 must be complied with if lifts are to be used to assist occupants to evacuate a building.

There are no Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions for this Performance Requirement in respect of using lifts.

To clarify that the requirements of DP1 to DP6 , DP8 and DP9 will be satisfied if compliance is achieved with Parts D1 , D2 and D3 in the case of all buildings, Part G3 in the case of buildings with an atrium, Part G4 in the case of buildings in alpine areas, Part G6 in the case of occupiable outdoor areas, Part H1 in the case of theatres, stages and public halls, and Part H2 for public transport buildings. DP7 is only required to be complied with if lifts are to be used to assist occupants to evacuate.

Where a solution is proposed to comply with the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions, D1 clarifies that for most buildings compliance with Parts D1 , D2 and D3 will achieve compliance with DP1 to DP6 , DP8 and DP9 . The exceptions to this general rule are set out below.

If the building contains an atrium, it must comply with Part G3 in addition to Parts Parts D1 , D2 and D3 .

If the building contains an occupiable outdoor area, it must comply with Part G6 in addition to Parts D1 , D2 and D3 .

A building which comprises a theatre, stage or public hall must comply with Part H1 in addition to Parts D1 , D2 and D3 .

If the building contains an atrium and one or more of a theatre, stage or public hall, it must comply with Parts D1 , D2 , D3 , G3 and H1 .

A building located in an Alpine Area must comply with Part G4 in addition to Parts D1 , D2 and D3 .

A building associated with public transport services, such as railway stations, bus interchanges, airports and ferry terminals must comply with Part H2 in addition to Parts D1 , D2 and D3 .

Where a Performance Solution is proposed, the relevant Performance Requirements must be determined in accordance with A2.2(3) and A2.4(3) as applicable. (See commentary on Part A2 ).

D1.1 Application of Part

The Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions of this Part do not apply to the internal parts of a sole-occupancy unit in a Class 2 or 3 building or a Class 4 part of a building.

To exempt internal parts of sole-occupancy units in Class 2 and Class 3 buildings and Class 4 parts from the Part D1 Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions.

The Part D1 Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions do not apply within a sole-occupancy unit of a Class 2 or Class 3 building and Class 4 parts.

This is because most occupants are familiar with the layout of their unit. The units are small in area compared to sole-occupancy units in other classes of building. They will also have a low level of occupancy and a lower fire load than most commercial and industrial buildings.

Additionally, such units will be separated from the rest of the building by fire-rated construction, or sprinklers will be installed. Except when considering smoke-hazard management matters, the path to the door leading out of sole-occupancy units is not regarded as part of the path of travel to an exit. See Part E2 .

D1.2 Number of exits required

All buildings — Every building must have at least one exit from each storey .

Class 2 to 8 buildings — In addition to any horizontal exit , not less than 2 exits must be provided from the following:

Each storey if the building has an effective height of more than 25 m.

A Class 2 or 3 building subject to C1.5 .

SA D1.2(b)(iii) and (iv)

Basements — In addition to any horizontal exit , not less than 2 exits must be provided from any storey if egress from that storey involves a vertical rise within the building of more than 1.5 m, unless—

the floor area of the storey is not more than 50 m 2 ; and

the distance of travel from any point on the floor to a single exit is not more than 20 m.

Class 9 buildings — In addition to any horizontal exit , not less than 2 exits must be provided from the following:

Each storey if the building has a rise in storeys of more than 6 or an effective height of more than 25 m.

Any storey which includes a patient care area in a Class 9a health-care building .

Any storey that contains sleeping areas in a Class 9c building.

Each storey in a Class 9b building used as an early childhood centre .

Each storey in a primary or secondary school with a rise in storeys of 2 or more.

Any storey or mezzanine that accommodates more than 50 persons, calculated under D1.13 .

NSW D1.2(d)(vii)

Exits from Class 9c buildings and patient care areas in Class 9a health-care buildings — In a Class 9a health-care building and a Class 9c building, at least one exit must be provided from every part of a storey which has been divided into fire compartments in accordance with C2.2 or C2.5 .

Exits in open spectator stands — In an open spectator stand containing more than one tier of seating, every tier must have not less than 2 stairways or ramps, each forming part of the path of travel to not less than 2 exits .

Access to exits — Without passing through another sole-occupancy unit every occupant of a storey or part of a storey must have access to—

an exit ; or

at least 2 exits if 2 or more exits are required .

To require the provision of sufficient exits to enable safe egress in case of an emergency.

Under D1.2(a) , all buildings must have at least one exit from each storey. The remainder of D1.2 sets out the circumstances in which more than one exit may be required.

The purpose of regulatory control over the number of exits in a building is to maximise the opportunities for people to have egress from the building in an emergency.

Egress from some buildings can be very difficult (for example, particularly tall or large buildings, or even small buildings which have a complex passageway design). It may be necessary to provide several alternative exits.

While a number of the D1.2 provisions refer to “horizontal exit”, they do not require the installation of a horizontal exit. Rather, where a horizontal exit exists or is proposed, at least two additional exits must be provided. Where there is no horizontal exit, there must still be at least two exits.

The D1.2(b)(i) provision regarding an effective height of 25 metres recognises the effective operating height for fire brigade ladders and other fire-fighting and rescue equipment. Above this height, fire-fighting, rescue and egress problems increase considerably.

C1.5 provides a concession for Class 2 and Class 3 buildings (having a rise in storeys of two), in that if they comply with certain conditions they may be of Type C construction. In order to qualify for that concession such buildings must have at least 2 exits.

This provision recognises that Class 2 and Class 3 buildings constructed in accordance with C1.5 include additional evacuation provisions.

“Basement” is not defined in the BCA. A basement is regarded as a below-ground-level storey not counted in the rise in storeys.

Any basement in excess of the minimum floor area specified in D1.2(c)(i) which has a travel distance to an exit in excess of that specified in D1.2(c)(ii) , must have at least two exits. The reason for this is that basements present difficulties in terms of egress and fire-fighting. These include:

  • the difficulty in naturally venting smoke from a fire because of the lack of windows; and
  • the need for occupants to evacuate in the direction of smoke travel. This is the opposite to upper storeys, where people would be evacuating downwards and the smoke travelling upwards.

D1.2(d)(i) covers Class 9 buildings with a rise in storeys of more than six (additional to the provisions which apply to Class 2 to Class 8 buildings) and Class 9 buildings with an effective height of more than 25 metres (which is the same as for Class 2 to Class 8 buildings, and recognises the effective operating height for fire brigade ladders and other fire-fighting and rescue equipment).

D1.2(d)(i) recognises the emergency egress requirements for Class 9 buildings. Such buildings could contain large numbers of people who may be unfamiliar with the building’s egress provisions. They might also be confused and in various stages of immobility.

D1.2(d)(i) does not refer to “whichever is the lesser”, nor, for that matter, “whichever is the greater”—meaning that both are applicable.

In D1.2(d)(ii) – (vi) , and D1.2(e) and (f) , the BCA recognises that some Class 9 buildings (patient care areas, aged care buildings, early childhood centres, schools, spectator stands, storeys or mezzanines containing more than 50 people as calculated under D1.13 ) present difficult evacuation conditions (requiring two exits additional to any horizontal exits) because of such factors as:

  • the age and nature of the occupants;
  • the density of occupation (for example, occupants per m 2 ); and
  • the unfamiliarity of occupants with the emergency evacuation requirements.

There is little point requiring exits if they are not accessible at all times. D1.2(g) requires that occupants must be able to access an exit. Where two or more exits are required, at least two exits (allowing for the fact that one of the exits may be made inaccessible by an emergency, such as a fire) should be accessible.

Such access must not be through another sole-occupancy unit because access to the unit may be locked or barred.

D1.3 When fire-isolated stairways and ramps are required

Class 2 and 3 buildings — Every stairway or ramp serving as a required exit must be fire-isolated unless it connects, passes through or passes by not more than—

3 consecutive storeys in a Class 2 building; or

2 consecutive storeys in a Class 3 building,

and one extra storey of any classification may be included if—

it is only for the accommodation of motor vehicles or for other ancillary purposes; or

the building has a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D system) complying with Specification E1.5 installed throughout; or

the required exit does not provide access to or egress for, and is separated from, the extra storey by construction having—

an FRL of –/60/60, if non- loadbearing ; and

an FRL of 90/90/90, if loadbearing ; and

no opening that could permit the passage of fire or smoke.

Class 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 buildings — Every stairway or ramp serving as a required exit must be fire-isolated unless—

in a Class 9a health-care building — it connects, or passes through or passes by not more than 2 consecutive storeys in areas other than patient care areas ; or

it is part of an open spectator stand ; or

in any other case except in a Class 9c building, it connects, passes through or passes by not more than 2 consecutive storeys and one extra storey of any classification may be included if—

an FRL of 90/90/90 for Type A construction or 60/60/60 for Type B or C construction, if loadbearing ; and

SA D1.3(b)(iv)

To indicate when fire-isolated stairways and ramps are required to enable safe egress in case of a fire.

D1.3 and DP5

D1.3 comprises the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions for DP5 .

Fire-isolated exits are required in multi-storey buildings to enable people to evacuate past a storey on fire. They also help the fire brigade carry out search and rescue and fire-fighting.

Such exits minimise the distance people need to travel in a fire-affected area before accessing a “safe place”, such as a fire-isolated stairway.

Fire-isolated exits may be:

  • fire-isolated stairways;
  • fire-isolated ramps; and
  • fire-isolated passageways connected to fire-isolated stairways or ramps.

D1.3 sets out when stairways and ramps connecting storeys in a building are required to be fire-isolated. This only applies to a stairway or ramp serving as a required exit. Therefore, from the definition of "exit", D1.3 only applies to those providing egress to a road or open space. Combined with the provisions of D1.2 that exits are required from every storey, a stairway or ramp serving as an exit will generally be connecting storeys. However, the term "exit" could also apply to a stairway or ramp from a basement that exits vertically, directly to a road or open space and thus, does not technically connect storeys.

D1.3 only applies to stairways that are required exits and therefore does not apply to stairways between split levels of a single storey of a building or those leading from the front door of a building.

Under certain specified conditions, D1.8 permits the use of external stairways in place of fire-isolated stairways.

D1.3(a)(i) permits Class 2 buildings to have non-fire-isolated exits provided they do not connect, pass through or pass by more than three consecutive storeys, plus an extra storey of any classification under specified conditions. The terms “connect”, “pass through” and “pass by” include the following situations:

  • Where the exit provides access to the storey.
  • Where the exit passes through the storey but does not necessarily provide access to or egress for the storey.
  • Where the exit is external to the building, i.e. passes by the storey but does not necessarily provide access to or egress for the storey.

With regard to the allowance for 3 storeys, the BCA assumes that residents of Class 2 buildings tend to be long-term occupants, and aware of their surroundings. This makes them likely to be able to exit quickly without the need for fire-isolated exits.

An extra storey of any classification may be included under certain circumstances where the fire risk associated with the extra storey is low. The circumstances are:

  • where the extra storey is used for a carpark or other ancillary purposes. In Class 2 buildings a carpark usually represents a low fire risk, and is unlikely to have many occupants for any length of time. The inclusion of the extra storey applies when the building only consists of a Class 2 building and a carpark. The building may also include a Class 3 part, however in such a case, the Class 3 portion of the building would control the number of storeys connected by a non-fire-isolated exit (see comments on D1.3(a)(ii) ); and
  • where the building contains a sprinkler system. This concession recognises the ability of sprinkler systems to extinguish or contain a fire thereby allowing additional time for occupants to escape; and
  • where the exit is separated from the extra storey by walls having an FRL consistent with those required for a public corridor in a Class 2 or 3 building. By having separating walls with an FRL and by preventing any connection to the extra storey for the purpose of providing access to or egress for that storey, the non-fire-isolated exit is protected from the fire risk associated with the extra storey.

D1.3(a)(ii) permits Class 3 buildings to have non-fire-isolated exits provided they do not connect, pass through or pass by more than two consecutive storeys, plus an extra storey of any classification under specified conditions. The terms “connect”, “pass through” and “pass by” include the following situations:

The allowance for two storeys is based on residents of a number of Class 3 buildings being less familiar with the building layout and paths of travel to an exit than residents of a Class 2 building. The differential between Class 2 and Class 3 buildings recognises a higher potential level of risk in Class 3 buildings.

  • where the extra storey is used for a carpark or other ancillary purposes. In Class 3 buildings a carpark usually represents a low fire risk, and is unlikely to have many occupants for any length of time. The inclusion of the extra storey applies when the building only consists of a Class 3 building and a carpark. The building may also include a Class 2 part, however in such a case, the Class 3 portion of the building would control the number of storeys connected by a non-fire-isolated exit; and
  • where the building contains a sprinkler system. This concession recognises the ability of sprinkler systems to extinguish or contain a fire; and

Under D1.3(b)(i) , required exits in Class 9a health-care buildings need to be fire-isolated if they connect, pass through or pass by more than two consecutive storeys, or the areas they connect, pass through or pass by include one or more patient care areas. The terms “connect”, “pass through” and “pass by” include the following situations:

  • Where the exit provides access to the storey
  • Where the exit passes through the storey but does not necessarily provide access to or egress for the storey

D1.3(b)(ii) allows an exemption for open spectator stands because of their open nature, which means that the build up of smoke is unlikely.

D1.3(b)(iii) does not apply to:

  • a Class 9a building;
  • a Class 9c building; or
  • an open spectator stand.

D1.3(b)(iii) permits other Class 5–9 buildings to have non-fire-isolated exits provided they do not connect, pass through or pass by more than two consecutive storeys, plus an extra storey of any classification under specified conditions. The terms “connect”, “pass through” and “pass by” include the following situations:

D1.4 Exit travel distances

Class 2 and 3 buildings —

The entrance doorway of any sole-occupancy unit must be not more than—

6 m from an exit or from a point from which travel in different directions to 2 exits is available; or

20 m from a single exit serving the storey at the level of egress to a road or open space ; and

no point on the floor of a room which is not in a sole-occupancy unit must be more than 20 m from an exit or from a point at which travel in different directions to 2 exits is available.

Class 4 parts of a building — The entrance doorway to any Class 4 part of a building must be not more than 6 m from an exit or a point from which travel in different directions to 2 exits is available.

Class 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 buildings — Subject to (d) , (e) and (f) —

no point on a floor must be more than 20 m from an exit , or a point from which travel in different directions to 2 exits is available, in which case the maximum distance to one of those exits must not exceed 40 m; and

in a Class 5 or 6 building, the distance to a single exit serving a storey at the level of access to a road or open space may be increased to 30 m.

Vic D1.4(d)

Class 9a buildings — In a patient care area in a Class 9a building—

no point on the floor must be more than 12 m from a point from which travel in different directions to 2 of the required exits is available; and

the maximum distance to one of those exits must not be more than 30 m from the starting point.

Open spectator stands — The distance of travel to an exit in a Class 9b building used as an open spectator stand must be not more than 60 m.

Assembly buildings — In a Class 9b building other than a school or early childhood centre , the distance to one of the exits may be 60 m if—

the path of travel from the room concerned to that exit is through another area which is a corridor, hallway, lobby, ramp or other circulation space; and

the room is smoke-separated from the circulation space by construction having an FRL of not less than 60/60/60 with every doorway in that construction protected by a tight fitting, self-closing , solid-core door not less than 35 mm thick; and

the maximum distance of travel does not exceed 40 m within the room and 20 m from the doorway to the room through the circulation space to the exit .

SA D1.4(g) and (h)

To maximise the safety of occupants by enabling them to be close enough to an exit to safely evacuate.

The D1.4 travel distances are based on an assumption of what is considered “reasonable” distances to be travelled by occupants in reaching an exit.

The travel distances specified in D1.4 are measured in accordance with D1.15 .

D1.4(a)(i)(A) and (B) require a shorter travel distance, to a single exit, for Class 2 and Class 3 buildings and Class 4 parts than is required for Class 5 to Class 9 buildings.

The distance occupants of sole-occupancy units in Class 2 and Class 3 buildings and Class 4 parts must travel to leave their unit is not part of the distance specified in D1.4 . Accordingly, the permitted distance of travel from the point at which the occupant leaves the unit must take account of the time needed for the occupant to reach that point from within the unit.

Distance of travel must factor in the time occupants need to wake up, become alert to their predicament, and exit in a state of confusion.

This process of becoming alert will inevitably require more time to exit. Therefore the distance of travel to an exit should be shorter.

Figure D1.4(1) illustrates various methods of complying with D1.4 for Class 2 and Class 3 buildings.

D1.4(c)(i) sets out the maximum travel distance in Class 5–9 buildings. This includes Class 9c buildings, but excludes Class 9a buildings, which must comply with D1.4(d) . (See comments on D1.4(d) for the reason Class 9a buildings are treated differently). The additional travel distance allowed in Class 9c buildings recognises the effectiveness of sprinkler systems that must be installed in these buildings.

The distances specified allow people to evacuate in a reasonable time, assuming that they are not asleep.

In case a fire blocks a path of travel, D1.4(c)(i) requires that alternative routes must be available within 20 metres of the starting point, unless it is possible to reach a single exit within 20 m.

The conditional reference in D1.4(c) to sub-clauses (d) , (e) and (f) refers to special provisions for particular types of building.

Figure D1.4(2) illustrates various methods of complying with D1.4 for Class 5 and Class 6 buildings.

D1.4(c)(ii) provides a concession for Class 5 and Class 6 buildings served by a single exit opening onto a road or open space. The concession only applies to the storey at the level of access to a road or open space.

D1.4(c)(ii) uses the phrase "at the level of access to a road or open space". The term "level" does not require the storey to be physically level or flush with the road or open space to obtain the concession, but simply requires that the storey is at a level from which occupants finally leave the building to reach a road or open space. The concession allows a greater travel distance of 30 m in lieu of 20 m to a single exit on the basis that occupants, including customers of a shop, are:

  • generally aware of their surroundings in these types of buildings which are typically small shops or offices located at or near ground level;
  • familiar with the location of the exit which is typically the main entrance to the shop or office; and
  • familiar with the path of travel to reach the exit thereby allowing a prompt and direct egress from the space.

Small shops and offices at or near ground level also tend to have an open plan layout thereby allowing the exit to be easily sighted to permit safe and speedy egress where the space is located in close proximity to the external ground surface such as a road or open space.

The concession is applicable to a number of cases such as to any Class 5 and 6 parts of a building located in a storey at the level of access to a road or open space even though the storey may be served by more than one exit, subject to that part otherwise complying with D1.4(c)(ii) .

The concession is also available for Class 5 or 6 parts of a building containing other classifications (refer to A1.0(3)(a) ).

Patient care areas in Class 9a buildings can present particular problems in case of emergency egress. Such areas are likely to be occupied by people who are either fully or partly non-ambulatory, and in many cases confused or incapacitated by drugs and medical and post-operative conditions.

Accordingly, the allowable distance of travel to an exit in the patient care areas of a Class 9a building is less than for Class 5–8 buildings, non-patient care areas of Class 9a buildings, and Class 9b buildings.

D1.4(d) should be read in conjunction with C2.5 .

The construction of an open spectator stand is such that the build up of smoke is unlikely. Greater distances of travel to an exit are therefore permitted.

The concession available for assembly buildings is based on a specific level of fire and smoke separation being provided between the area being evacuated and the circulation space passed through to reach an exit.

To obtain the concession, D1.4(f)(iii) limits the distance of travel through the room being evacuated and across the circulation space outside that room to the exit.

D1.5 Distance between alternative exits

Exits that are required as alternative means of egress must be—

distributed as uniformly as practicable within or around the storey served and in positions where unobstructed access to at least 2 exits is readily available from all points on the floor including lift lobby areas; and

not less than 9 m apart; and

not more than—

in a Class 2 or 3 building — 45 m apart; or

in a Class 9a health-care building , if such required exit serves a patient care area — 45 m apart; or

in all other cases — 60 m apart; and

located so that alternative paths of travel do not converge such that they become less than 6 m apart.

To require that if an exit is inaccessible, access to any required alternative exit must be available within a reasonable distance.

Where a building requires multiple exits, the exits maximise the choices of a person evacuating, in case one exit becomes blocked.

D1.5(a) requires that where multiple exits exist, they must be distributed as uniformly as practicable to improve the level of safety when evacuating.

D1.5 specifies the minimum and maximum permitted distances between alternative exits (for example, two exits may be located next to one another, so long as they are not each other’s alternative in an emergency). Where scissor stairs are used, the shafts will be adjacent and separated by fire-resisting construction. However, the access doors to the alternative scissor stairs must comply with the minimum separation distance.

The minimum distance minimises the risk of fire spreading to block the alternative exit.

The maximum distance between alternative exits minimises the need to travel too far to reach an exit.

If alternative paths of travel converge too closely, both paths can be blocked by the same fire. The minimum distance between the paths of travel aims to negate this.

The minimum convergence distance only comes into operation when the paths of travel have already diverged to that distance. The paths can commence more closely together than the distance specified.

The travel distances specified in D1.5 are measured in accordance with D1.15 .

Figure D1.5(1) illustrates the method of measuring the maximum and minimum distances between exits.

Figure D1.5(2) illustrates the convergence prohibition on alternative paths of travel.

D1.6 Dimensions of exits and paths of travel to exits

In a required exit or path of travel to an exit —

the unobstructed height throughout must be not less than 2 m, except the unobstructed height of any doorway may be reduced to not less than 1980 mm; and

the unobstructed width of each exit or path of travel to an exit , except for doorways, must be not less than—

1.8 m in a passageway, corridor or ramp normally used for the transportation of patients in beds within a treatment area or ward area ; and

in a public corridor in a Class 9c aged care building , notwithstanding (c) and (d) —

1.8 m for the full width of the doorway, providing access into a sole-occupancy unit or communal bathroom; and

if the storey , mezzanine or open spectator stand accommodates more than 100 persons but not more than 200 persons, the aggregate unobstructed width, except for doorways, must be not less than—

1 m plus 250 mm for each 25 persons (or part) in excess of 100; or

if the storey , mezzanine or open spectator stand accommodates more than 200 persons, the aggregate unobstructed width, except for doorways, must be increased to—

2 m plus 500 mm for every 60 persons (or part) in excess of 200 persons if egress involves a change in floor level by a stairway or ramp with a gradient steeper than 1 in 12; or

in any other case, 2 m plus 500 mm for every 75 persons (or part) in excess of 200; and

in an open spectator stand which accommodates more than 2000 persons, the aggregate unobstructed width, except for doorways, must be increased to 17 m plus a width (in metres) equal to the number in excess of 2000 divided by 600; and

the unobstructed width of a doorway must be not less than—

in patient care areas through which patients would normally be transported in beds, if the doorway provides access to, or from, a corridor of width—

less than 2.2 m — 1200 mm; or

2.2 m or greater — 1070 mm,

and where the doorway is fitted with two leaves and one leaf is secured in the closed position in accordance with D2.21(b)(v) , the other leaf must permit an unobstructed opening not less than 800 mm wide; or

in patient care areas in a horizontal exit — 1250 mm; or

the unobstructed width of each exit provided to comply with (b) , (c) , (d) or (e) , minus 250 mm; or

Vic D1.6(f)(iv)

in a Class 9c building—

1070 mm where it opens from a public corridor to a sole-occupancy unit ; or

870 mm in other resident use areas ; or

800 mm in non- resident use areas , and where the doorway is fitted with two leaves and one leaf is secured in the closed position in accordance with D2.21(b)(v) , the other leaf must permit an unobstructed opening not less than 870 mm wide in resident use areas and 800 mm wide in non- resident use areas ; or

in any other case except where it opens to a sanitary compartment or bathroom — 750 mm wide; and

NSW D1.6(f)(vi)

the unobstructed width of a required exit must not diminish in the direction of travel to a road or open space , except where the width is increased in accordance with (b)(ii) or (f)(i) ; and

the required width of a stairway or ramp must—

be measured clear of all obstructions such as handrails, projecting parts of barriers and the like; and

extend without interruption, except for ceiling cornices, to a height not less than 2 m vertically above a line along the nosings of the treads or the floor surface of the ramp or landing; and

to determine the aggregate unobstructed width, the number of persons accommodated must be calculated according to D1.13 .

NSW D1.6(j)

To require exits and paths of travel to an exit to have dimensions to allow all occupants to evacuate safely within a reasonable time.

The D1.6(a) requirement for a minimum unobstructed height of two metres is considered to be a reasonable minimum for most people to safely walk through to gain egress.

D1.6(a) relates to the unobstructed height between a floor and:

  • a ceiling; or
  • a projection from a ceiling, such as a bulkhead, beam, cable tray, light fitting, pipe, sprinkler head or the like.

It should be noted that in addition to complying with D1.6 , exits and paths of travel to exits must comply with the minimum ceiling heights in F3.1 .

The reduction to a minimum of 1980 mm for doorways is to allow for a standard door frame.

The required exit and path of travel widths have been determined on the basis of an estimate of the width required to allow the safe exit of a given number of people expected in particular buildings.

D1.6(b) clarifies that the unobstructed width of any exit or path of travel to an exit is to not be less than the dimensions prescribed. These may then be added to achieve the aggregate width that is required.

D1.6(b)(iii) applies to Class 9c buildings. The additional width at doorways is to allow for greater manoeuvrability of beds, mobile baths, wheelchairs, walking frames and other equipment throughout the resident use areas.

Figure D1.6(1) illustrates two examples of how compliance with the corridor width provisions in a Class 9c building may be achieved.

Buildings, other than ward and treatment areas of a Class 9a building, accommodating up to 200 people (see D1.6(b) and (c) ) require minimum widths of:

  • 1 metre for 0 to 100 people;
  • 1.25 metres for 101 to 125 people;
  • 1.5 metres for 126 to 150 people;
  • 1.75 metres for 151 to 175 people; and
  • 2 metres for 176 to 200 people.

See Figure D1.6(2) .

Above 200 people (see D1.6(d) ), there is a division between those buildings which have a change of floor level by way of stairways or ramps with a gradient greater than 1 in 12, and those which do not have such a change in floor level. The reason for this differentiation is that the change in floor level has the potential to create problems at exits, which could cause injuries and delays. The difference can be outlined as follows, and is illustrated in Figure D1.6(2) :

  • 2.5 metres for 201 to 260 people;
  • 3 metres for 261 to 320 people;
  • 3.5 metres for 321 to 380 people;
  • 2.5 metres for 201 to 275 people;
  • 3 metres for 276 to 350 people;
  • 3.5 metres for 351 to 425 people;

D1.6(c) , (d) and (e) refer to the required width of an exit or path of travel to an exit in terms of an “aggregate unobstructed width”. The exit or path may be less than the total required width (although each must achieve the minimum required width), but when the width of each exit or path is added together, the specified aggregate unobstructed width must be achieved.

The width of a doorway must be clear of all obstructions. This includes door handles or other attachments or any part of the door leaf and any part of the door frame, including the door stop.

D1.6(f)(i) and (ii) provide additional width for doorways in patient care areas to allow for the turning circle of beds, and other egress difficulties, such as those experienced by patients who require ambulatory assistance.

The width of a doorway comprising part of the exit or path of travel is permitted to be 250 mm less than the width of each exit. This allows for the installation of a standard door frame.

In the case of an exit comprising multiple doorways, this concession may be applied to each individual doorway.

Figure D1.6(3) shows alternative examples of the exit door width for a building requiring a total exit width of three metres.

D1.6(f)(iv) applies to Class 9c buildings. The additional width of doorways is to allow for greater manoeuvrability of beds, mobile baths, wheelchairs, walking frames and other equipment throughout resident use areas.

No doorway should be less than 750 mm in width, except doorways which open into toilets and bathrooms. However, minimum width requirements do apply to doorways which provide access to facilities required for people with disabilities (see D3.2 and F2.4 ).

D1.6(b)(ii) and (c)(ii) specify additional width requirements for the exit and path of travel to allow for the turning circle of beds.

D1.6(e) provides an exception for large open spectator stands to the exit and path of travel width required for other buildings.

Under D1.6(g) , the required unobstructed width of exit or path of travel must not be reduced in the direction of egress. This provision aims to avoid congestion in an exit or a path of travel to an exit.

A restaurant is located on the fifth floor of a building.

The restaurant may seat 250 people. This would require an aggregate exit width of 2.5 metres. One stairway, 2.5 metres in width, is provided to achieve the exit requirement.

The fourth floor of the same building may be used as an office, with 100 staff, requiring an aggregate exit width of only 1 metre.

The 2.5 metre wide stairway from the fifth floor cannot be reduced to 1 metre when it reaches the fourth floor. The stairway must retain its 2.5 metre width throughout its length.

The exit width is not required to increase to 3.5 metres below the 4th floor. The BCA makes the assumption that the occupants of both floors are unlikely to all be exiting through the same part of the stairway at the same time.

If the restaurant was below the office, the stairway could begin at 1 metre in width at the office, but would have to increase to 2.5 metres after it passed the restaurant.

Under D1.6(h)(i) , the required stairway width must be measured clear of obstructions, including handrails and projecting barriers.

A stairway has handrails along both sides and they are located within the width of the stairway (as opposed to along the top of a banister along the edge of the stairway).

In this case, the required stairway width must be measured between the handrails (presuming that there are no other obstructions intruding into the stairway).

Under D1.6(h)(ii) , the required width of a stairway must continue to a height of 2 metres above the stair. This measurement is consistent with other similar BCA requirements.

Figure D1.6(4) illustrates compliance with D1.6(h) .

D1.7 Travel via fire-isolated exits

A doorway from a room must not open directly into a stairway, passageway or ramp that is required to be fire-isolated unless it is from—

a public corridor , public lobby or the like; or

a sole-occupancy unit occupying all of a storey ; or

a sanitary compartment , airlock or the like.

Each fire-isolated stairway or fire-isolated ramp must provide independent egress from each storey served and discharge directly, or by way of its own fire-isolated passageway —

to a road or open space ; or

to a point—

in a storey or space, within the confines of the building, that is used only for pedestrian movement, car parking or the like and is open for at least 2 / 3 of its perimeter; and

from which an unimpeded path of travel, not further than 20 m, is available to a road or open space ; or

into a covered area that—

adjoins a road or open space ; and

is open for at least 1/3 of its perimeter; and

has an unobstructed clear height throughout, including the perimeter openings, of not less than 3 m; and

provides an unimpeded path of travel from the point of discharge to the road or open space of not more than 6 m.

Where a path of travel from the point of discharge of a fire-isolated exit necessitates passing within 6 m of any part of an external wall of the same building, measured horizontally at right angles to the path of travel, that part of the wall must have—

an FRL of not less than 60/60/60; and

any openings protected internally in accordance with C3.4 ,

for a distance of 3 m above or below, as appropriate, the level of the path of travel, or for the height of the wall, whichever is the lesser.

If more than 2 access doorways, not from a sanitary compartment or the like, open to a required fire-isolated exit in the same storey —

a smoke lobby in accordance with D2.6 must be provided; or

the exit must be pressurised in accordance with AS 1668.1 .

A ramp must be provided at any change in level less than 600 mm in a fire-isolated passageway in a Class 9 building.

To enable occupants to safely enter a fire-isolated exit which discharges to a safe location.

D1.7(a) requires that a doorway must not open into a fire-isolated exit unless it opens from a public area, a sole-occupancy unit which occupies a whole floor, or a toilet. This is to limit the number of entry points into a fire-isolated exit to retain its fire-resisting performance.

Note that D1.7(a)(i) refers to a “public corridor, public lobby, or the like”. A smoke lobby which serves at least two sole-occupancy units is a “public lobby”, and can open directly into a fire-isolated exit. Figure D1.7(1) illustrates permitted and prohibited entry into a fire-isolated passageway from sole-occupancy units in a shopping centre.

D1.7(b)(i) requires fire-isolated exits to discharge to roads or open spaces. However, there are some exemptions:

  • D1.7(b)(ii) sets out the requirements for a fire-isolated exit to discharge into an area within a building (including the requirement that it be open for at least two thirds of its perimeter, to aid smoke ventilation); and
  • D1.7(b)(iii) sets out the requirements for a fire-isolated exit to discharge into a covered area outside the building (including the requirement that it be open for at least one third of its perimeter, to aid smoke ventilation).

Figures D1.7(2) and (3) illustrate some of the options available by the use of D1.7 .

D1.7(c) sets out the FRL and opening protection requirements where the path of travel from the point of discharge of a fire-isolated exit to a road or open space necessitates passes within six metres of any part of the external wall of the building being evacuated. The provision only applies at the level of discharge. So if the exit discharges at ground level, any first storey wall or window would not need protection. The reason is that a fire on the first floor is unlikely to affect people exiting one storey below.

Figure D1.7(4) illustrates when walls and window openings require protection in accordance with D1.7(c) .

D1.7(d) requires the use of a smoke lobby or a pressurisation system to stop the entry of smoke into the fire-isolated exit, if more than two access doorways described in D1.7(a)(i) or (ii) are provided in the same storey. This provision must be read in conjunction with D1.7(a) , it does not over-ride it. See Figure D1.7(1) .

D1.7(e) requires a ramp where there is any change in level in a fire-isolated passageway in a Class 9 building and that change is less than 600 mm.

D1.8 External stairways or ramps in lieu of fire-isolated exits

An external stairway or ramp may serve as a required exit in lieu of a fire-isolated exit serving a storey below an effective height of 25 m, if the stairway or ramp is—

non-combustible throughout; and

protected in accordance with (c) if it is within 6 m of, and exposed to any part of the external wall of the building it serves.

For the purposes of this clause—

exposure under (a)(ii) , is measured in accordance with Clause 2.1 of Specification C1.1 , as if the exit was a building element and the external wall of the building was a fire-source feature to the exit , except that the FRL required in Clause 2.1(a)(i) must not be less than 60/60/60; and

the plane formed at the construction edge or perimeter of an unenclosed building or part such as an open-deck carpark , open spectator stand or the like, is deemed to be an external wall ; and

openings in an external wall and openings under (c) and (d) , are determined in accordance with C3.1 .

The protection referred to in (a)(ii) , must adequately protect occupants using the exit from exposure to a fire within the building, in accordance with one of the following methods:

The part of the external wall of the building to which the exit is exposed must have—

no openings less than 3 m from the exit (except a doorway serving the exit protected by a –/60/30 fire door in accordance with C3.8(a) ); and

any opening 3 m or more but less than 6 m from the exit , protected in accordance with C3.4 and if wall wetting sprinklers are used, they are located internally.

The exit must be protected from—

any part of the external wall of the building having an FRL of less than 60/60/60; and

any openings in the external wall , by the construction of a wall, roof, floor or other shielding element as appropriate in accordance with (d) .

The wall, roof, floor or other shielding element required by (c)(ii) must—

have an FRL of not less than 60/60/60; and

have no openings less than 3 m from the external wall of the building (except a doorway serving the exit protected by a –/60/30 fire door in accordance with C3.8(a) ); and

have any opening 3 m or more but less than 6 m from any part of the external wall of the building protected in accordance with C3.4 and if wall wetting sprinklers are used, they are located on the side exposed to the external wall .

To detail the circumstances in which an external stairway or ramp can be provided instead of a fire-isolated stairway or fire-isolated ramp.

Compliance with D1.8 for external stairway or ramp is only required where the external stairway or ramp is proposed as an alternative to a required fire-isolated stairway or ramp. In other words, if a fire-isolated stairway or ramp is not required by the BCA, compliance is not required with D1.8 .

The use of an external stairway or ramp is permitted instead of a fire-isolated stairway or ramp up to a height of 25 metres. The reason external stairways or ramps are not permitted above this height is because of:

  • the risk that people would suffer vertigo above this level;
  • the risk that weather conditions, particularly wind, may become more severe above this height; and
  • the need to enable any person who gets into difficulties on the stairway to be rescued by way of fire brigade ladders or other rescue equipment, which generally do not reach above this height.

Fire protection from the external wall of the building near the external exit and any openings in that wall, is required under D1.8(a ) and (b) to ensure that an average person using the exit is afforded adequate protection from flames and radiant heat from a fire within the building.

D1.8(c) provides two separate methods of protecting the external exit from a fire from within the building:

  • protect the external wall of the building and any openings in the wall, within the prescribed distances to the exit (see Figure D1.8(1) ); or
  • protect the exit by shielding construction where the exit is within the prescribed distances to the building (see Figure D1.8(2) ).

D1.8(d) provides requirements for the shielding construction and protection of any openings in that construction.

D1.9 Travel by non-fire-isolated stairways or ramps

A non- fire-isolated stairway or non- fire-isolated ramp serving as a required exit must provide a continuous means of travel by its own flights and landings from every storey served to the level at which egress to a road or open space is provided.

In a Class 2, 3 or 4 building, the distance between the doorway of a room or sole-occupancy unit and the point of egress to a road or open space by way of a stairway or ramp that is not fire-isolated and is required to serve that room or sole-occupancy unit must not exceed—

30 m in a building of Type C construction; or

60 m in all other cases.

In a Class 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 building, the distance from any point on a floor to a point of egress to a road or open space by way of a required non- fire-isolated stairway or non- fire-isolated ramp must not exceed 80 m.

In a Class 2, 3 or 9a building, a required non- fire-isolated stairway or non- fire-isolated ramp must discharge at a point not more than—

15 m from a doorway providing egress to a road or open space or from a fire-isolated passageway leading to a road or open space ; or

30 m from one of 2 such doorways or passageways if travel to each of them from the non- fire-isolated stairway or non- fire-isolated ramp is in opposite or approximately opposite directions.

In a Class 5 to 8 or 9b building, a required non- fire-isolated stairway or non- fire-isolated ramp must discharge at a point not more than—

20 m from a doorway providing egress to a road or open space or from a fire-isolated passageway leading to a road or open space ; or

40 m from one of 2 such doorways or passageways if travel to each of them from the non- fire-isolated stairway or non- fire-isolated ramp is in opposite or approximately opposite directions.

In a Class 2 or 3 building, if 2 or more exits are required and are provided by means of internal non- fire-isolated stairways or non- fire-isolated ramps each exit must—

provide separate egress to a road or open space ; and

be suitably smoke-separated from each other at the level of discharge.

To require that a person using a non-fire-isolated stairway or ramp be provided with a safe evacuation path.

D1.9(a) requires that occupants in a required non-fire-isolated stairway or ramp are able to continue all the way down to the level from which egress to a road or open space is available.

D1.9(a) refers to a continuous means of travel comprising flights of stairs and landings. It would generally not be acceptable for an entire or substantial proportion of a storey to be called a “landing”.

The first diagram in Figure D1.9(1) illustrates non-compliance with D1.9(a) because the stair does not provide a continuous path of travel to the level providing egress to a road or open space. The second diagram in Figure D1.9(1) illustrates a method of compliance with D1.9(a) .

The distances specified in D1.9 apply only to a required non-fire-isolated stairway or ramp.

Figure D1.9(2) illustrates the method of measuring a travel distance down a stairway.

D1.9(b) and (c) provide requirements for the overall travel distances permitted on non-fire-isolated stairways. Figure D1.9(3) illustrates compliance with D1.9(b) and (c) .

D1.9(d) and (e) provide requirements for the travel distance permitted from the base of the non-fire-isolated stairway to the discharge point (note that this distance is part of the distances required under D1.9(b) and (c) ). Figure D1.9(4) illustrates compliance with D1.9(d) and (e) .

D1.9(f) provides the additional requirements for Class 2 and Class 3 buildings which are required to have 2 or more exits.

Figure D1.9(5) illustrates one method of an exit system in a Class 5–9 building complying with Section D .

D1.10 Discharge from exits

An exit must not be blocked at the point of discharge and where necessary, suitable barriers must be provided to prevent vehicles from blocking the exit , or access to it.

If a required exit leads to an open space , the path of travel to the road must have an unobstructed width throughout of not less than—

the minimum width of the required exit ; or

whichever is the greater.

If an exit discharges to open space that is at a different level than the public road to which it is connected, the path of travel to the road must be by—

a ramp or other incline having a gradient not steeper than 1:8 at any part, or not steeper than 1:14 if required by the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions of Part D3 ; or

except if the exit is from a Class 9a building, a stairway complying with the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions of the BCA.

The discharge point of alternative exits must be located as far apart as practical.

In a Class 9b building which is an open spectator stand that accommodates more than 500 persons, a required stairway or required ramp must not discharge to the ground in front of the stand.

NSW D1.10(f)

In a Class 9b building containing an auditorium which accommodates more than 500 persons, not more than 2 / 3 of the required width of exits must be located in the main entrance foyer.

The number of persons accommodated must be calculated according to D1.13 .

To require the safe discharge from an exit to a road or open space.

D1.10(a) requires that an exit must not be blocked at the point of discharge.

Barriers (such as bollards) must be installed, if they are necessary to prevent vehicles blocking access to, or discharge from, an exit.

If an exit discharges to an open space, D1.10(b) and (c) require that a safe means of travel be provided from the open space to a road. This means that the following criteria must be satisfied:

  • D1.10(b) —to maximise the safety of people moving towards a road during an evacuation, the width of the path of travel from the open space to the road must be at least that required for the exit (and in no case less than one metre).
  • D1.10(c) —to minimise the risk from falling or tripping, any stairways or ramps must comply with the rest of the BCA (eg construction of treads, landings etc). This may include the provision of ramps suitable for people with disabilities.

The link between the road and open space must be open to the sky for its length.

D1.10(d) requires that the discharge points of alternative exits be as far apart as possible, so that if the discharge from one of them is blocked, the other will still operate satisfactorily.

D1.10(e) requires that exits from an open spectator stand not discharge to the ground in front of the stand. There may be a large number of people viewing the event from the front of the stand, and they may obstruct the path of those evacuating.

There is also a risk that the front of the stand could be subject to severe heat radiation. Also the only egress to the road from the ground in front of the stand may be through the stand.

Under D1.10(f) , only two thirds of the required width of exits from an auditorium, such as a theatre or hall, are to discharge into an entrance foyer where the auditorium can accommodate more than 500 people. This restriction applies because there may be a large number of people in the foyer, possibly waiting for the next show, or to gain access to another auditorium. These people would obstruct the path of the people evacuating.

D1.11 Horizontal exits

horizontal exits must not be counted as required exits —

between sole-occupancy units ; or

in a Class 9b building used as an early childhood centre , primary or secondary school .

In a Class 9a health-care building or Class 9c building, horizontal exits may be counted as required exits if the path of travel from a fire compartment leads by one or more horizontal exits directly into another fire compartment which has at least one required exit which is not a horizontal exit .

In cases other than in (b) , horizontal exits must not comprise more than half of the required exits from any part of a storey divided by a fire wall .

Horizontal exits must have a clear area on the side of the fire wall to which occupants are evacuating, to accommodate the total number of persons (calculated under D1.13 ) served by the horizontal exit of not less than—

2.5 m 2 per patient/resident in a Class 9a health-care building or Class 9c aged care building ; and

0.5 m 2 per person in any other case.

Where a fire compartment is provided with only two exits , and one of those exits is a horizontal exit , the clear area required by (d) is to be of a size that accommodates all the occupants from the fire compartment being evacuated.

The clear area required by (d) must be connected to the horizontal exit by an unobstructed path that has at least the dimensions required for the horizontal exit and may include the area of the unobstructed path.

To detail how the installation of horizontal exits in a building is permitted as an alternative to a conventional exit.

Originally, provision was made for horizontal exits between fire compartments because some occupants can have difficulty evacuating, particularly those confined to bed or that have a disability.

Subsequently, it was accepted that horizontal exits would be of value in other buildings, where they could overcome problems associated with large fire compartments, eg excessive distances to travel to exits.

The use of horizontal exits can overcome some of the difficulties outlined above, although they need to be used in conjunction with some other form of exit.

In an emergency, the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions require that occupants travel for limited distances before they reach a place of safety. A “place of safety”, in the case of horizontal exits, means the connecting fire compartment to which people will flee.

For a horizontal exit to comply with the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions of Section D , it must meet the following criteria:

  • The distance of travel to the exit must not exceed that specified elsewhere in the BCA.
  • The protection for a place of safety from its adjoining fire compartment is provided by a fire wall. The fire wall has a fire rating to match the classification of the fire compartments it divides and is expected to withstand a burnout of the respective areas. This provides an appropriate level of safety to people using the horizontal exit as they may have to remain in the place of safety for an extended period before evacuating via other exits.
  • There must be another exit (other than a horizontal exit) from each place of safety entered by way of a horizontal exit. After escaping to the place of safety it should not be necessary to return to the area being evacuated to continue to evacuate from the building. D1.11(c) specifies a limit for the number of horizontal exits in a storey for buildings of other than Class 9a and Class 9c buildings.
  • The place of safety must be large enough to temporarily accommodate the people from the area the horizontal exit is being provided for. It is important to note that if there is only one other exit in the fire compartment then the place of safety is to be large enough to accommodate all the occupants of the fire compartment. This is necessary because if the other exit is blocked then all the occupants will be required to exit through the horizontal exit. This is necessary until vertical evacuation is available. Since this accommodation is only for a short period, the areas specified generally only allow for people to stand. However, the larger areas specified for Class 9a health-care buildings and Class 9c buildings allows for patients or residents on beds to be wheeled through the horizontal exit to be accommodated in the place of safety.
  • The path to the place of safety is to have dimensions equal to those of the horizontal exit to assist with the smooth evacuation of occupants.
  • The swing of the horizontal exit door must be the same as other exit doors. This means that if the area is more than 200 m 2 (as specified in D2.20(b) ), the door is to swing in the direction of egress. If the FRL of the fire wall is three or four hours, two fire doors may be provided to achieve this FRL. In such cases, for both doors to swing in the one direction, a vestibule must be formed, as shown in Figure D1.11 .
  • To make sure that evacuation is always possible, it is not permitted to have a horizontal exit to a separate sole-occupancy unit. This is because the owner or occupier of the other unit may lock the door for security reasons, barring entry (or exit) in an emergency.
  • Where egress is required in either direction, two doors swinging in opposite directions or a 180° swinging door (complying with all BCA requirements including fire and smoke sealing capacities) may be used.

Horizontal exits may be useful as a means of evacuation from many health-care buildings. They can also be an advantage in large floor area buildings which need to be sub-divided by fire walls to reduce the size of the fire compartments. These fire walls can then be penetrated to create horizontal exits.

D1.12 Non-required stairways, ramps or escalators

An escalator, moving walkway or non- required non fire-isolated stairway or pedestrian ramp—

must not be used between storeys in—

a patient care area in a Class 9a health-care building ; or

a resident use area in a Class 9c building; and

may connect any number of storeys if it is—

in an open spectator stand or indoor sports stadium; or

in a carpark or an atrium ; or

outside a building; or

in a Class 5 or 6 building that is sprinklered throughout, where the escalator, walkway, stairway or ramp complies with Specification D1.12 ; and

except where permitted in (b) must not connect more than—

3 storeys if each of those storeys is provided with a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D system) complying with Specification E1.5 throughout; or

2 storeys , provided that in each case, those storeys must be consecutive, and one of those storeys is situated at a level at which there is direct egress to a road or open space ; and

except where permitted in (b) or (c) , must not connect, directly or indirectly, more than 2 storeys at any level in a Class 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 building and those storeys must be consecutive.

To limit the spread of fire and smoke through unprotected openings for stairways, ramps, escalators and moving walkways.

D1.12 only applies to:

  • escalators;
  • moving walkways and travelators;
  • non-required non-fire-isolated stairways; and
  • non-required non-fire-isolated ramps.

Builders etc may choose to interconnect two or three storeys of a building with a non-required stairway, ramp or the like in accordance with D1.12 .

A two storey shop or suite of offices may be within a multi-storey building where all storeys are connected by a stairway which is both required and fire-isolated. This stairway may be external to the sole-occupancy unit which comprises the shop or office suite. For easy access within the sole-occupancy unit, another stairway may be located within the shop or office suite interconnecting the two storeys. That stairway is additional to the required stairway, and is not required to be fire-isolated.

D1.12(a) prohibits the use of a non-required non-fire-isolated stairway or ramp in a patient care area of a Class 9a building and a resident use area of a Class 9c building. The prohibition is because of the difficulties in evacuating bed-ridden, or otherwise mobility-impaired occupants. This prohibition applies to D1.12(d) , despite that provision’s general reference to Class 9 buildings.

D1.12(b) allows any number of storeys to be connected in certain buildings as follows:

  • The open nature of the construction of an open spectator stand, sports stadium, carpark, atrium, and a stairway or ramp located outside a building is such that the build-up of smoke is unlikely. D1.12(b)(i) , (ii) and (iii) permit any number of interconnected floors in such cases.
  • In a Class 5 or Class 6 building containing a sprinkler system, D1.12(b)(iv) allows connection of any number of storeys if the interconnecting stairway, ramp, or escalator and the like complies with Specification D1.12 .
  • While D1.12(b)(ii) refers to atriums, there are additional requirements for atriums in Part G3 .

D1.12 restricts the number of storeys which can be interconnected by a non-required non-fire-isolated stairway, ramp or the like. This recognises that an unprotected opening for a stairway, ramp, escalator or the like can lead to the spread of fire or smoke from one floor to another.

The restriction applies if:

  • D1.12(c)(i) —a Class 2–9b building (excluding Class 9a) contains a sprinkler system, no more than three consecutive storeys can be linked, one of which storeys must directly egress to a road or open space. This recognises the effectiveness of a sprinkler system in controlling the spread of fire;
  • D1.12(c)(ii) —the building is an unsprinklered Class 2 or Class 3 building, two consecutive storeys can be linked, one of which must directly egress to a road or open space. Part D1 does not generally apply to sole-occupancy units in Class 2 or Class 3 buildings, or Class 4 parts, and there is no restriction on an internal non-required non-fire-isolated stairway, ramp or the like linking two storeys in, for example, a two storey penthouse suite; or
  • D1.12(d) —in a Class 5 or Class 6 building which does not qualify under D1.12(b)(iv) , and in Class 7–9b buildings (excluding a patient care area in a Class 9a, see D1.12(a) ), two consecutive storeys can be linked.

Neither storey is required to provide direct egress to a road or open space and there is no requirement for a sprinkler system as part of this provision. As the stairway or ramp is not required by the BCA for emergency evacuation purposes, this provision is in accord with the remainder of the BCA.

D1.13 Number of persons accommodated

For the purposes of the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions , the number of persons accommodated in a storey , room or mezzanine must be determined with consideration to the purpose for which it is used and the layout of the floor area by—

calculating the sum of the numbers obtained by dividing the floor area of each part of the storey by the number of square metres per person listed in Table D1.13 according to the use of that part, excluding spaces set aside for—

lifts, stairways, ramps and escalators, corridors, hallways, lobbies and the like; and

service ducts and the like, sanitary compartments or other ancillary uses; or

reference to the seating capacity in an assembly building or room; or

any other suitable means of assessing its capacity.

NSW Table D1.13

Note to Table D1.13 : Bar standing is the area used by standing patrons and extends not less than 1.5 m wide from the outside edge of the bar top for the length of the serving area of the bar.

To establish a methodology for calculating Deemed-to-Satisfy building populations which are deemed acceptable for use in the design and checking of applications when more accurate figures are not available.

D1.13 and Table D1.13 are used to calculate the anticipated number of people in particular types of building.

From these calculations, a number of BCA requirements can be determined within Sections D , E , F and J . The likely number of persons accommodated can affect determinations in relation to a number of matters in the BCA including; exit requirements, hearing augmentation, limitation of the use of stairway platform lifts, sanitary facilities, ceiling heights and the energy efficiency of mechanical ventilation systems.

D1.13 and Table D1.13 are only intended for the purposes of determining BCA requirements which depend on the number of occupants likely to occupy a building or storey. D1.13 and Table D1.13 are not intended to restrict the number of occupants using a building, or to enforce any building use or licensing requirements.

If more accurate information is available on the expected population of a building, it should be used in preference to Table D1.13 . This information may include:

  • D1.13(b) —if the building is an assembly building or room, its seating capacity can be used; or
  • D1.13(c) —where there is limited public access, a statement from the building owner as to the number of occupants who will use the building; or
  • D1.13(c) —a study of the number of people using similar buildings. Such a study must include the number of people at various times. As an example, if the building is to be used as a shop, the figures must include the maximum numbers of people expected at peak times (such as before Christmas).

It would be appropriate to use an alternative means of assessing the number of occupants when:

  • under D1.13 , a restaurant is deemed to accommodate one person for every square metre of floor area;
  • if a specific restaurant has fixed tables, booths, dining alcoves and architectural features which occupy significant floor space, the actual number of patrons able to be accommodated may be much less than the number calculated using D1.13 ; and
  • in such a case, it may be appropriate to use another method for calculating the number of people accommodated (such as counting the number of seats available for use by patrons), and hence calculating the total width of exits to be provided; however
  • if such an approach is adopted, due allowance must be made for the employees, as well as the potential for alternative seating layouts which could increase the number of people in the restaurant.

The area per person contained in Table D1.13 for computer rooms applies to rooms housing computer infrastructure such as computer servers and where low occupant numbers occur. These circumstances are similar to those found in switch or transformer rooms. For computer training rooms and office areas containing computers, the area per person for an office or school classroom, as appropriate, should be used.

D1.14 Measurement of distances

The nearest part of an exit means in the case of—

a fire-isolated stairway , fire-isolated passageway , or fire-isolated ramp , the nearest part of the doorway providing access to them; and

a non- fire-isolated stairway , the nearest part of the nearest riser; and

a non- fire-isolated ramp , the nearest part of the junction of the floor of the ramp and the floor of the storey ; and

a doorway opening to a road or open space , the nearest part of the doorway; and

a horizontal exit , the nearest part of the doorway.

To identify the nearest part of an exit for the purposes of measuring travel distance.

D1.14 describes the point at which an exit has commenced with respect to both fire-isolated and non-fire-isolated exits.

Figures D1.15(1) and D1.15(2) illustrate methods of measuring the distance of travel specified in the BCA.

D1.15 Method of measurement

The following rules apply:

In the case of a room that is not a sole-occupancy unit in a Class 2 or 3 building or Class 4 part of a building, the distance includes the straight-line measurement from any point on the floor of the room to the nearest part of a doorway leading from it, together with the distance from that part of the doorway to the single required exit or point from which travel in different directions to 2 required exits is available.

Subject to (d) , the distance from the doorway of a sole-occupancy unit in a Class 2 or 3 building or a Class 4 part of a building is measured in a straight line to the nearest part of the required single exit or point from which travel in different directions to 2 required exits is available.

Subject to (d) , the distance between exits is measured in a straight line between the nearest parts of those exits .

Only the shortest distance is taken along a corridor, hallway, external balcony or other path of travel that curves or changes direction.

If more than one corridor, hallway, or other internal path of travel connects required exits , for the purposes of D1.5(c) the measurement is along the path of travel through the point at which travel in different directions to those exits is available, as determined in accordance with D1.4 .

If a wall (including a demountable internal wall ) that does not bound—

a corridor, hallway or the like,

causes a change of direction in proceeding to a required exit , the distance is measured along the path of travel past that wall.

If permanent fixed seating is provided, the distance is measured along the path of travel between the rows of seats.

In the case of a non- fire-isolated stairway or non- fire-isolated ramp , the distance is measured along a line connecting the nosings of the treads, or along the slope of the ramp, together with the distance connecting those lines across any intermediate landings.

To specify the method of measuring the distance of travel to an exit in various situations.

The distance of travel to an exit is measured by determining the path a person would walk from the most remote area of the building to the nearest exit.

The maximum distance of travel between required alternative exits is measured by determining the path a person would travel along in a case where a fire blocks the path of travel to the nearest exit. The path of travel to the alternative exit includes passing through the point at which travel in different directions to those exits is available.

It is necessary to measure around any walls, or other built obstructions (including a wall, a demountable wall, and permanent fixed seating). See D1.15(f) and (g) .

Generally, furniture, cars in a carpark and some non-built or non-fixed obstructions are not taken into account in the calculation of travel distance. However, there may be occasions when such matters must be taken into account.

Figure D1.15(2) and D1.15(3)

Figure D1.15(2) illustrates, by example, the method of measuring the distance of travel for Class 2 and Class 3 buildings and Class 4 parts.

Figure D1.15(3) illustrates, by example, the method of measuring the distance of travel for Class 5–9 buildings.

D1.16 Plant rooms, lift machine rooms and electricity network substations: concession

A ladder may be used in lieu of a stairway to provide egress from—

a plant room with a floor area of not more than 100 m 2 ; or

all but one point of egress from a plant room, a lift machine room or a Class 8 electricity network substation with a floor area of not more than 200 m 2 .

A ladder permitted under (a) —

may form part of an exit provided that in the case of a fire-isolated stairway it is contained within the shaft ; or

may discharge within a storey in which case it must be considered as forming part of the path of travel; and

for a plant room or a Class 8 electricity network substation , must comply with AS 1657 ; and

for a lift machine room, where access is provided from within a machine room to a secondary floor, a fixed rung type ladder complying with AS 1657 may be used, provided that—

the height between the floors is not more than 2800 mm; and

the ladder is inclined at an angle to the horizontal not less than 65 degrees nor more than 75 degrees; and

the distance between the front face of the ladder and any adjacent obstruction is not less than—

960 mm, where the ladder is inclined 65 degrees to the horizontal; or

760 mm, where the ladder is inclined 75 degrees to the horizontal; or

a distance that is determined by interpolating the values in (aa) and (bb) , where the ladder is inclined at any angle between 65 degrees and 75 degrees to the horizontal; and

a clear space not less than 600 mm exists between the foot of the ladder and any equipment.

SA D1.16(c)

To provide concessions for small plant rooms, lift motor rooms and Class 8 electricity network substations.

Concessions (such as the use of a ladder in lieu of a stairway) are granted for small plant rooms, lift motor rooms and Class 8 electricity network substations for the following reasons:

  • the usual occupants of a small plant room, lift motor room or Class 8 electricity network substation are trained personnel familiar with the room’s hazards and layout and are capable of negotiating the service ladders in a safe manner;
  • it is reasonable to assume that if the plant or lift motor room is small, so also will be the number of people who will ever occupy it;
  • the small size of the room means that there is not a significant distance to travel to gain egress; and
  • in the larger rooms which qualify for this concession, and multiple exits are provided, only one needs to be a stair.

Figure D1.16 illustrates some possible methods of using the concessions contained in D1.16 .

D1.17 Access to lift pits

Access to lift pits must—

where the pit depth is not more than 3 m, be through the lowest landing doors; or

where the pit depth is more than 3 m, be provided through an access doorway complying with the following:

In lieu of D1.6 , the doorway must be level with the pit floor and not be less than 600 mm wide by 1980 mm high clear opening, which may be reduced to 1500 mm where it is necessary to comply with (ii) .

No part of the lift car or platform must encroach on the pit doorway entrance when the car is on a fully compressed buffer.

Access to the doorway must be by a stairway complying with AS 1657 .

In lieu of D2.21 , doors fitted to the doorway must be—

of the horizontal sliding or outwards opening hinged type; and

self-closing and self-locking from the outside; and

marked on the landing side with the letters not less than 35 mm high:

“DANGER LIFTWELL − ENTRY OF UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS PROHIBITED − KEEP CLEAR AT ALL TIMES”

ACT Appendix

D1.18 Egress from early childhood centres

Every part of a Class 9b early childhood centre must be wholly within a storey that provides direct egress to a road or open space .

The requirements of (a) do not apply in a building with a rise in storeys of not more than 2, where the Class 9b early childhood centre is the only use in that building.

Explanatory information:

D1.18(a) recognises the difficulties associated with evacuation of early childhood centres . Should an early childhood centre be proposed within a storey that does not meet the requirements of D1.18(a), a Performance Solution is to be used to demonstrate compliance with the relevant Performance Requirements .

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Practical fire safety guidance for existing non-residential premises

Guidance note on fire safety responsibilities for business owners of non-residential premises.

Chapter 7: Provision And Use Of Means Of Escape

230. Once a fire has been detected and a warning given, everyone in the premises should, if necessary, be able to move or be assisted away from the fire to a place of reasonable safety such as an enclosed protected stair or another fire compartment from where they should be able to continue to escape to an unenclosed safe area beyond the premises. Means of escape is the provision of safe escape routes for people to travel from any point in a building to an unenclosed safe area, and includes the measures to maintain those routes. The number and capability of people present will influence the assessment of the escape routes. The escape routes must be sufficient to enable the maximum number of people likely to use the premises at any time to safely escape.

231. Escape must also be considered from external areas like enclosed yards and from within perimeter fences provided for security purposes at outdoor events.

232. Means of escape should be provided both in terms of the number and capacity of escape routes and in terms of their protection from fire and smoke. When determining whether premises have adequate escape routes, a number of interdependent factors should be considered, including:

  • the characteristic, number and location of people in the premises;
  • the construction of the premises and the potential for fire and smoke spread;
  • the fire compartmentation of the premises; and
  • the time it will take people to escape.

233. The provision of means of escape and the fire protection given to an escape route will vary depending on the level of risk within the premises and the occupants. In some premises a single escape route will be acceptable, in other cases there should be at least two exits and independent escape routes from each storey of the premises.

234. In public access premises, persons will generally use routes with which they are familiar therefore there is advantage if escape routes are aligned with the general access and circulation routes.

Escape Routes

235. A room containing more than 60 persons should have at least two exits, a room with more than 600 should have at least three exits. But a greater number of exits may be necessary, this will depend on the actual numbers resorting and travel distance to the nearest room exit.

236. Even where the number of persons is low, at least two escape routes may be necessary from:

  • a storey over 7.5 m in height;
  • a basement used by the public (other than only toilets); or
  • a basement more than 4.5 m deep.

237. In an auditorium that has more than one exit, at least one exit should be provided not less than two thirds of the distance from the stage or screen to the back of the room.

238. The direction of travel of alternative escape routes from any point within a room should:

  • diverge at an angle of at least 45 o ; or
  • after a single direction of escape (limit as shown in table 7 ) then diverge at an angle of at least 45 o plus 2½ o for every metre travelled in the single direction.

239. Escape routes should be via a direct and unobstructed route. Once occupants have left a room they should ideally not have to pass through another room to reach a protected escape route or a place of safety. In existing low risk situations, escape may be from an inner room through an outer room. (See paragraph 258).

240. Where travel distance is to a compartment that does not itself contain either a final exit or direct access to a protected stair, then the next adjoining compartments should contain either a final exit or direct access to a protected stair.

241. An escape route should not be by way of:

  • a lift (unless specifically designed for evacuation);
  • an escalator;
  • turnstiles, other than those with breakout facility opening in the direction of escape;
  • a fire shutter which closes automatically in the event of fire;
  • a manual sliding door, other than one to which the general public does not have access;
  • revolving or automatic doors unless arranged to fail safely in the outward opening position in accordance with BS 7036; or

242. Where children are at a different location in a building from adults, then the adults may desire to go to the child facility if the fire alarm sounds. This could involve adults travelling against the normal direction of escape and this needs to be considered. Where practicable, relocating the child facility may avoid this.

243. A clear headroom for escape routes and circulation areas is at least 2 m, and not less than 1.9 m in a doorway.

244. The width and geometry of escape routes should be sufficient to facilitate the evacuation method used and for the number of occupants to escape. From a room or storey with not more than 100 persons, an escape route width not less than 1000 mm. Where in excess of 100 persons, 1100 mm may be adequate. At least 1200 mm may be necessary where the room or storey is accessible to wheelchair users.

245. An escape route will not normally narrow in the direction of escape but at doorways the width can generally be 150 mm less than the escape route. Where the number of people using the escape route is not more than 225, the door width may be at least 850 mm, and may be 800 mm where the number of people is not more than 100.

246. To assist with evacuation, a door across an escape route should open in the direction of escape where there are 60 persons or more (or in factories 10 persons), or where occupants may need to exit quickly, or the door is a final exit. In other situations it is good practice for a door to be outward opening if practicable.

247. The area outside final exit doors should have suitable underfoot conditions for persons evacuating and pathways so that persons can move away from the building. Where escape is across grass or open ground, including from tented structures and open air locations, the surface should be capable of withstanding the traffic volumes, taking account of weather conditions and avoiding the potential for trips and falls.

248. In multi-occupied buildings, escape routes from individual occupancies should normally be independent of parts in separate occupancy; people should not have to go through another occupier's premises to escape as the route may be secured or otherwise unavailable.

249. In storage areas, the width of gangways between fixed obstructions such as racking or shelving may not be less than 530 mm. In bulk storage of spirituous liquor, gangways may not be less than 400 mm.

250. In part of a building with fixed seating consideration should be given to seating arrangements. Gangway widths and seatway lengths should allow ease of escape for the numbers present. A gangway (or exit door) should be provided at each end of a row of more than 12 fixed seats.

Shopping Centres

251. There will normally be at least 2 directions of travel from every part of a mall and from every mall-level shop without passing through a space in single occupation. Each shop with a frontage to the mall, other than small units, will normally have an alternative escape route that is not through the mall.

252. The aggregate unobstructed width, in mm, of all escape routes from a mall should be at least 2.65 multiplied by the occupancy capacity of the entire centre.

253. Each exit from a mall should be at least 1.8 m wide. Where occupancy levels will be higher than in other parts of the shopping centre, a wider exit would be appropriate in those parts. The entrances used by the public should have the greatest escape route width as evacuees will tend to use the egress routes with which they are familiar.

254. Where a service corridor is used for means of escape from a shop, the width would be based on the total number of persons that evacuate into the corridor from the largest shop plus an additional width of 1 m to allow for goods in transit.

Travel Distance

255. There should be a limit on the distance that persons have to travel to reach a place of reasonable safety. Travel distance is the distance measured along the actual route of escape (having regard to the layout) from any point within a storey to the nearest door giving direct access to either another compartment; a protected stair; or to a final exit. From a mall-level storey of a shop in an enclosed shopping centre, travel distance may be measured to the mall. Travel distance benchmarks are given in Table 7 .

Table 7 - Travel distance benchmarks

* this includes the single direction distance

256. Travel distance benchmarks for occupants of buildings will not be appropriate for some large or underground travel facilities. Greater distances may be acceptable in railway stations with a large dispersal volume for smoke and heat from a fire, and in underground facilities where combustible materials have been reduced to a point where there is little to burn.

257. A single direction of escape is travel before there is the choice of escape routes. See Figures 3 , 4 and 5 . A single direction of escape may involve persons moving towards or past a fire, if the fire occurs between the occupant and the choice of escape routes.

Figure 3 Single direction of escape within a room before a choice of escape routes becomes available

Figure 4 Single direction of escape out of room and along a corridor before a choice of escape routes becomes available

Figure 5 Single direction of escape within a room before a choice of escape routes, one of which goes through a fire door into another compartment

Inner Rooms

258. An inner room is a room where access to a circulation area can only be achieved by passing through an access room (see Figure 6 ). A fire could develop unnoticed in the access room preventing the occupants of the inner room escaping. The risk to persons in the inner room will be less if the access room contains limited combustibles and ignition sources; and travel distance from any point in the inner room to the exit from the outer room are short. A smoke alarm or automatic smoke detector in the access room may give an early warning and may be appropriate where the risk of fire occurring in the access room is high and cannot be reduced.

Figure 6 Single direction of escape out of an inner room and through an access room before a choice of escape routes becomes available

Escape stairs

259. To protect escape routes from fire, the normal standard for escape stairs is for stairs to be enclosed within a fire-resisting enclosure (creating a protected zone) such that the enclosing structure between the stair and the rest of the building has fire-resistance and any door in the enclosing structure is a self-closing fire door. Each escape stair should have its own independent final exit.

260. However, an enclosure is not normally necessary for:

  • an escape stair within a single storey where the difference in level is not more than 1.8 m;
  • an external escape stair with a total rise of not more than 1.6 m; or
  • an escape stair from a gallery where the gallery has: - an occupancy capacity of not more than 60 or; - an occupancy capacity of 61 to 100 and at least one route of escape is by way of a protected zone, an external escape stair, or another compartment.

261. If the enclosure has an external wall that projects beyond the face of a building or is set. back in a recess, the route may be vulnerable should fire break through an adjacent window, door, or other opening. Radiated heat or flames from the fire may impede escaping occupants. Therefore an external wall of a building which makes an angle less than 135 o with the external wall of the enclosure might need to have fire-resistance.

262. The width of an escape stair should be at least the width of any escape route giving access to it. A check should be made that the width of an existing escape stair is suitable for the persons who would use it and the method of evacuation. Where there is simultaneous evacuation, the number and capacity of stairs serving a building needs to be sufficient for the number of persons to allow the occupants of all storeys to evacuate at the same time.

263. Where part of a building has only one escape route by way of an escape stair, if access to the escape stair is by way of a protected lobby, this will provide an additional barrier to fire and may afford people additional time to escape. A protected lobby is where there are two self-closing fire doors between the adjoining accommodation and the stair.

264. Access by way of a protected lobby is also relevant to a storey at a height of more than 18 m.

265. Where an escape stair also serves a basement storey, a self-closing fire door at ground floor level separating the basement stair enclosure from the stair enclosure serving the rest of the building will provide improved protection to the means of escape from any fire that may start in the basement.

266. Ideally, an escape stair (including landings) and the floor of a protected lobby will be non-combustible. Where an existing escape stair is combustible, consider the potential for the stair to be directly affected by fire, such as a fire occurring in an under-stair cupboard, and the possibility of lining the underside of the stair with non-combustible material.

267. A small room, reception, cupboard or toilet may be sited within the enclosure of an escape stair if the fire risk is considered low and all other parts of the building served by the escape stair have at least one other escape route.

268. The evacuation speed of people with a mobility disability can be slow and there may be a space within the protected stair so that they can wait temporarily until it is safe to use the stair - a space capable of accommodating a wheelchair and measuring not less than 700 mm x 1200 mm. These spaces should not be used for storage. Modern buildings may have an emergency voice communication system in the temporary waiting space to assist the escape process and reduce the anxiety of occupants making use of the space.

External stairs

269. An external escape stair may present problems for persons evacuating a building because people can feel less confident using an unenclosed stair at a height. For this reason, an external escape stair may only be suitable where the topmost storey height is not more than 7.5 m; and the stair is used only by those who can safely use it. Appropriate weather protection may be necessary to enable the stair to be used in all weather conditions.

270. An external escape stair should lead directly to a safe area beyond the premises and should be non-combustible.

271. An external escape stair may be unusable if fire occurs in the building. External stairs with a rise of more than 1.6 m may need to be protected against fire from within the building with at least 30 minutes fire‑resistance.

Escape across Flat Roofs

272. Where the occupants of premises can safely use it, an escape route may be across a flat roof, and be an alternative additional provision to another escape route in the premises.

273. The following criteria apply to an escape route across a flat roof:

  • be clearly defined, illuminated and guarded with barriers not less than 1.1 m in height;
  • have a slip free surface;
  • have fire-resistance for a distance of 3 m on either side of the route; and/or
  • have no unprotected openings from adjacent structures, within 2 m.

Door Fastening

274. It is important that doors necessary for escape be easily openable while the premises are occupied. Where a door across an escape route has to be secured against entry, it should be fitted with a fastening which is readily operated without a key, from the side approached by people making their escape. Where a door is operated by a code, combination, card, biometric data or similar means, it should be capable of being manually overridden from the side approached by people making their escape. The potential for persons having to retrace their route during an evacuation to use an alternative escape route, should also be considered.

275. Push pad devices (to BS EN 179) are suitable securing devices for outward opening final exit doors where occupants can be expected to be familiar with the devices. In other cases, panic exit devices operated by a horizontal bar (to BS EN 1125) are suitable.

276. When premises are being used out of normal hours, including use by community or outside groups, or by security or cleaning staff, in addition to arranging and controlling access, sufficient escape routes and exits require to be kept available for the duration of the occupation.

Electrically powered locks

277. Electrically powered locks can be operated by electromagnetic or electromechanical means.

278. Electrically powered locks should not be installed on a door which provides the only route of escape for persons, or which serves a room or storey with more than 60 persons, or a door on a fire-fighting shaft.

279. Electrically powered locks should return to the unlocked position:

  • On operation of the fire warning system;
  • On loss of power; and
  • On actuation of a manual door release unit positioned at the door on the side approached by people making their escape (where the door provides escape in either direction, a unit should be installed on both sides).

280. Access control systems may be in the form of revolving doors, sliding doors, ticket barriers, or entrance gates. Where there is no alternative adjacent means of escape, access control systems across the escape route should in the event of a fire, power failure, or malfunction, continue to provide a means of escape without reducing the width by automatically opening and remaining open; or being readily pushed to the outward open position by occupants in an emergency.

281. In railway stations, fences and automatic barriers are often used for revenue protection purposes. The potential impact of these on escape needs to be assessed and the consequences considered in respect of congestion, reduction in escape width and emergency opening arrangements.

282. BS 7273: Part 4 provides detailed guidance on the electrical control arrangements for the fail-safe release of powered locks.

Automatic opening doors

283. An internal door may be linked to a motion sensor or other device so that the door opens automatically to facilitate movement of occupants. Some devices can be triggered by smoke movement which may cause a door to open precisely at the time when it should be closed as a barrier to fire and smoke. These doors should be linked to the fire warning system so that the automatic opening function is disabled if the fire warning system is triggered (but still permitting the door to be manually opened). If the door is a fire door, the opening mechanism should not reduce the fire-resistance of the door. When the automatic opening function is disabled following activation of the fire warning system, the fire door's normal self-closing function should continue to operate.

284. Automatic opening doors should not be placed across escape routes unless they are designed in accordance with BS 7036 and are either:

  • arranged to fail safely to outward opening from any position of opening; or
  • are provided with a monitored fail-safe system for opening the door from any position in the event of mains supply failure and also in the event of failure of the opening sensing device; and open automatically from any position in the event of operation of the fire alarm in the fire alarm zone within which the door is situated.

Powered sliding doors

285. Powered sliding doors often open in response to a motion sensor. Such a door across an escape route, should be fail-safe and should open:

  • on operation of the fire warning system; where installed;
  • on loss of power; and
  • on activation of a manual door release unit positioned at the door on the side approached by people making their escape (where the door provides escape in either direction, a unit should be installed on both sides).

286. BS 7273: Part 4 contains detailed guidance on the electrical control arrangements for fail-safe operation of powered sliding doors.

287. Escape routes should be provided with lighting to allow persons to safely use these routes in the event of a fire occurring or in the event of failure of the normal lighting power supply.

Escape route lighting

288. Premises should be provided with lighting in the escape routes to the extent necessary to ensure that in the event of an outbreak of fire, illumination is provided to assist in escape and to aid staff in implementing the emergency fire action plan.

289. If there are escape routes that are not permanently illuminated, such as external stairs, then a marked switch or some other means of switching on the lighting, such as a motion sensor, should be provided.

Emergency escape lighting

290. Emergency lighting is lighting designed to operate or remain in operation automatically in the event of a local or general power failure. The size and type of the premises and the risk to the occupants will determine whether there is a need for emergency escape lighting.

291. Emergency lighting can be stand-alone dedicated units or incorporated into normal light fittings. Power supplies can be rechargeable batteries integral to each unit or a central battery bank. Single 'stand-alone' emergency lighting units may be sufficient in some premises and these can sometimes be combined with exit or directional exit signs, though the level of general illumination should not be significantly reduced by the sign.

292. Emergency lighting is described as 'maintained' if it is permanently illuminated, and 'non-maintained' when it only operates if the normal lighting fails.

293. In small premises, in which the escape routes are simple and straightforward, borrowed light may be relied upon to illuminate escape routes.

294. A system of automatic emergency lighting is likely to be needed in large complex premises, particularly in those with extensive occupied basements, sub-surface railway stations or where there are significant numbers of people. If some escape routes are internal and without windows, then some form of emergency lighting may be required. Emergency lighting may be necessary in a room with more than 60 occupants and escape routes serving such a room and escape routes in public access buildings which have two storey exits.

295. A maintained system should be installed in premises such as cinemas, theatres or nightclubs where the normal lighting can be dimmed or reduced below the levels required for escape route identification and illumination while the premises are occupied.

296. An emergency lighting system provided for escape purposes may be used to illuminate the following:

  • internal and external escape routes, exit doors and escape route signs;
  • intersections of corridors;
  • staircases so that each flight receives adequate light;
  • changes in floor level;
  • fire-fighting equipment;
  • fire alarm call points;
  • equipment that needs to be shut down in an emergency.

297. In the case of a building with smoke control, the units should be below the smoke reservoir so that it is not rendered ineffective by smoke filled reservoirs.

298. British standards relevant to emergency lighting systems are BS 5266: Part 1 and BS EN 1838.

Signs and Notices

299. In small simple premises where the locations of escape routes and fire-fighting equipment are readily apparent then fire signs may not be necessary.

300. Escape route signs are used to indicate escape routes not in normal use and are only necessary where there might otherwise be confusion regarding the route to follow in the event of fire. The following criteria apply to escape route signs:

  • they should provide enough information to enable people to identify escape routes;
  • where the location of an exit is not obvious, signs with directional arrows may be provided along the route;
  • escape route and exit signs should not be fixed to doors as they may not be visible if the door is open;
  • signs mounted above doors should be at a height of between 2 m and 2.5 m above the floor; and
  • signs on walls should be mounted between 1.7 m and 2 m above the floor.

301. The legibility of an escape sign is determined by the size of the sign, the level of illumination and the distance over which it is viewed. Signs should be in pictogram form. The pictogram can be supplemented by text if necessary to make the sign easily understood. Guidance on the use of escape route signs is available in BS 5499: Part 10.

302. In public access buildings, persons may be unfamiliar with the location of alternative exits and signs identifying exit location are important. In shops, the presence of advertising and customer information or shop dressing needs to be arranged so that it does not distract from, or obscure escape signs. In storage premises, escape signs should not be obscured by stored goods. In places of entertainment and assembly, advertising, information or other display material should be arranged so that it does not distract attention from, or obscure escape signs.

303. Signs to indicate the location of non-automatic fire safety equipment may be necessary if there is any doubt about its location, such as fire extinguishers that are kept in cabinets or in recesses. Other signs may also be necessary such as:

  • 'Fire door keep shut' or 'Fire door keep locked shut' on fire doors;
  • 'Automatic fire door - keep clear';
  • how to operate the securing devices on doors; and
  • location of sprinkler stop valve.

304. New safety signs should comply with BS EN ISO 7010.

305. Notices are used to provide instructions on how to use any fire safety equipment and the actions to be taken in the event of fire. Notices containing details of the emergency fire action plan specific to the premises should be permanently displayed in appropriate positions throughout the building. A distinction may be required between notices that are designed for visitors as opposed to those for staff.

306. In small premises where there is a limited number of people and there is no fire warning system, notices may not be necessary.

307. As well as positioning fire instruction notices on escape routes adjacent to fire alarm call points, they should be located where staff frequently assemble in the premises.

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COMMENTS

  1. Fire Safety

    Where more than one escape route is provided: 25m in higher fire-risk area. 45M in normal fire-risk area. 60m in lower fire-risk area. Where only a single escape route is provided: 12m in higher fire-risk area. 18m in normal fire-risk area. 25m in lower fire-risk area. The travel distances given above are based on those recommended in Approved ...

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    60m in lower fire-risk area. Where only a single escape route is provided: 12m in higher fire-risk area. 18m in normal fire-risk area. 25m in lower fire-risk area. The travel distances given above are based on those recommended in Approved Document B of the Building Regulation and are intended to complement the other fire safety recommendations ...

  3. Practical fire safety guidance for existing non-residential premises

    A single direction of escape is travel before there is the choice of escape routes. See Figures 3, 4 and 5 . A single direction of escape may involve persons moving towards or past a fire, if the fire occurs between the occupant and the choice of escape routes.

  4. Means of Escape from Fire : Firesafe.org.uk

    Escape is generally considered in four distinct 'Stages' as follows. Stage 1 - escape from the room or area of fire origin. Stage 2 - escape from the compartment of origin via the circulation route to a protected stairway or an adjoining compartment offering refuge. Stage 3 - escape from the floor of origin to the ground level.

  5. PDF Emergency Exit Routes

    out in the direction of exit travel if the room is to be occupied by more than 50 people or if the room is a high-hazard area. • Exit routes must support the maximum permitted occupant load for each floor served, and the capacity of an exit route may not decrease in the direction of exit route travel to the exit discharge.

  6. Going the Distance

    ADB Recommendations. In residential premises such as apartment blocks, the maximum distance from a dwelling entrance door to a common staircase, or to a door to a lobby in corridor-access single-stair flats is 7.5m where there is only one direction of escape. When a flat is served by more than one common stair giving more than one direction of ...

  7. Fire Safety for Healthcare Premises

    In cases where an enclosed escape route in a single direction of escape exceeds 4.5 m, all surrounding construction must be 30 minutes fire resistant (both integrity and insulation). Travel within a room is not subject to this requirement, as it is intended for use in stub corridors or small corridor recesses.

  8. Fire safety

    By taking a more holistic view to fire safety, BS 9999 allows compensatory measures to offset, e.g. travel distances and/ or total escape door width. In a worked example for a supermarket, by following ADB, maximum travel distances of 18 m for egress in a single direction and 45 m for escape in two directions, and a minimum aggregated exit ...

  9. Chapter 7: Provision And Use Of Means Of Escape

    * this includes the single direction distance. 219. A single direction of escape is travel before there is the choice of escape routes. See Figures 4 to 6. A single direction of escape may involve persons moving towards or past a fire, if the fire occurs between the occupant and the choice of escape routes. Figure 4 - Single direction of escape ...

  10. Fire Escape Routes

    45M in normal fire-risk area. 60m in lower fire-risk area. Where only a single escape route is provided: 12m in higher fire-risk area. 18m in normal fire-risk area. 25m in lower fire-risk area. The travel distances given above are based on those recommended in Approved Document B of the Building Regulation and are intended to complement the ...

  11. 2021 International Building Code (Ibc)

    For the travel distance limitations in Group I-2, see Section 407.4. e. The common path of egress travel distance shall only apply in a Group R-3 occupancy located in a mixed occupancy building. f. The length of common path of egress travel distance in a Group S-2 open parking garage shall be not more than 100 feet. g.

  12. Chapter 7: Provision and use of Means of Escape

    219. A single direction of escape is travel before there is the choice of escape routes. See Figures 4 to 6. A single direction of escape may involve persons moving towards or past a fire, if the fire occurs between the occupant and the choice of escape routes. Figure 4 - Single direction of escape within a room before a choice of escape routes ...

  13. Fire safety

    Guidance note on fire safety responsibilities for business owners of non-residential premises. ... 257. A single direction of escape is travel before there is the choice of escape routes. See Figures 3, 4 and 5. A single direction of escape may involve persons moving towards or past a fire, if the fire occurs between the occupant and the choice ...

  14. Thinking outside the box

    Fire engineering solutions can enable extensions that would not otherwise be possible. While minor extensions can be agreed without additional fire safety measures being implemented on occasion; a significant extension or an extended single direction travel distance would necessitate a fire-engineered design.

  15. Permissible Egress Door Locking Arrangements

    The operation of the releasing mechanism must release all latching and all locking devices of the door leaf with not more than one motion in a single linear or rotational direction. An example of a releasing motion in a single linear direction could be pushing on a panic bar to release the locking/latching hardware to allow a door to be opened.

  16. 1910.36

    The capacity of an exit route may not decrease in the direction of exit route travel to the exit discharge. Note to paragraph (f) of this section: Information regarding the "Occupant load" is located in NFPA 101-2009, Life Safety Code, and in IFC-2009, International Fire Code (incorporated by reference, see § 1910.6).

  17. PDF Fire safety

    Section 0: Approved Document B: Fire safety - buildings other than dwellings 1 Summary 1 Arrangement of sections 1 Management of premises 2 Property protection 2 Inclusive design 2 Alternative approaches 3 ... Travel distance and number of escape routes 42 Escape stairs in small premises 46 Section 5: General provisions 47 Introduction 47

  18. Part D1 Provision for escape

    In case a fire blocks a path of travel, D1.4(c)(i) requires that alternative routes must be available within 20 metres of the starting point, unless it is possible to reach a single exit within 20 m. The conditional reference in D1.4(c) to sub-clauses (d) , (e) and (f) refers to special provisions for particular types of building.

  19. Fire safety

    * this includes the single direction distance. 214. A single direction of escape is travel before there is the choice of escape routes. Single direction ceases at the point where there are alternative routes. See Figures 6, 7 and 8. A single direction of escape may involve persons moving towards or past a fire, if the fire occurs between the ...

  20. Travel Distance above 18 meters

    At the time he said we should decommission the fire escape (as its unsafe) provided we upgraded the ceilings in the basement to 2 hours compartmentation, updated the basement doors to half hour fire doors and carried out additional staff training as this would reduce the risk and extend the travel distance from 18 meters. 2 weeks later the ...

  21. Fire Escape

    The fire officer disagreed with his colleague and the risk assessor. He measured the travel distance to be 21 to 22 meters from the furthest point on the top floor of the building. He doesn't think there is any flexibility in the 18 meter rule and is talking about issuing a prohibition notice so we can't use the top floor of the building.

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  23. 2.9 Escape

    In the case of a building which has only 1 direction of travel, the travel distance should be measured to a protected door giving access to an escape stair or a place of safety. In the case of a building or part of a building where there are at least 2 available directions of travel, the travel distance may be measured to any protected door.

  24. Practical fire safety guidance for existing non-residential premises

    238. The direction of travel of alternative escape routes from any point within a room should: diverge at an angle of at least 45 o; or; after a single direction of escape (limit as shown in table 7) then diverge at an angle of at least 45 o plus 2½ o for every metre travelled in the single direction. 239.