Workplace fires are more common than you’d think. During 2023-24, there were over 7000 instances of workplace fires in the UK. Although there has been a considerable improvement over the past decade (9458 workplace fire outbreaks recorded 2013-2014), this figure is still unacceptably high. Businesses must work proactively to implement safety measures that adhere to UK fire regulations.
While there are multiple possible causes of fires, including electrical short circuits and incorrect storage of flammable items or matches, damage to lives and property often occurs due to fire doors not complying with fire escape route regulations. Fire doors frequently don’t open properly or are unable to stop the spread of fire from the source to other areas, leading to extensive damage.
In today’s blog, we’ll explore the importance of proper emergency evacuation procedures in the workplace and regular fire door upkeep. Doorway Services assists businesses with installing, maintaining and repairing emergency exits in the workplace.
What Is a Fire Escape Route?
Emergency exits in the workplace are escape routes that lead people out of danger to safety, such as internal stairwells or exterior fire escapes. These routes should be easily accessible, and all fire doors must be opened easily to get to the outside of the building. As per the fire exit regulations in the workplace, these doors are usually fitted with push pads or panic bars.
Emergency exits in the workplace must be easily accessible and the shortest distance from any point in the building. All employees and visitors must be briefed on the emergency evacuation procedures in the workplace. All markings or signage must be correct and easily visible.
The new Fire Safety Regulations reiterate that a building’s managers or owners must prepare a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) for people with special needs.
What Are the Fire Exit Door Specifications?
Fire doors are an integral part of fire escape route regulations. Businesses and commercial property owners must install or upgrade fire doors to meet the latest fire exit requirements. Wooden, revolving or sliding doors can’t be used as fire doors.
Unlike popular misconception, fire doors aren’t supposed to withstand or stop the spread of fire but to open easily so that people can escape faster.
As per the latest regulations, the government is slowly phasing out the earlier BS 476 fire testing standards and replacing them with the more advanced BS EN 13501.
Most fire doors have FD 30 rating, meaning they can prevent the spread of fire and smoke for a minimum of 30 minutes. FD 60 rating means the door can withstand fire and smoke for 60 minutes. During a fire risk assessment, it’s determined whether an FD30 or FD60 door must be installed.
Emergency exits in the workplace must adhere to the following specifications:
- Fire doors need to open in the direction of escape.
- Emergency exits must never be locked; they need to be opened easily in case of a fire.
- Fire doors must be easily identified with proper signage and lighting and even glow-in-the-dark options in case of power failure.
- Panic hardware such as push bars must be installed to allow easy access for people in case of emergency.
Fire exit clearance requirements in the UK dictate how fire escape routes are installed in a building. In the case of new buildings, the width of the corridor must be 1200 mm and the fire exit door width must be 1050 mm.
The fire exit route regulations for older or existing buildings are 1000mm for corridor width and a fire exit door size of 800mm. The minimum fire exit requirement is 750mm in width for 60 people.
Contact us at Doorway Services to install or upgrade your fire exit doors.
How Many Fire Exits Are Required in a Building?
The number of emergency exits in the workplace will depend on three main factors:
- Number of people in the building
- Number of floors in the building
- The shortest fire escape route from any point in the building
The distance between any point in the building and a fire exit must not exceed 18 metres; this is lowered to 12 metres for high-risk areas and can be increased to a maximum of 25 metres in low-risk areas.
If a building has up to 60 employees, one fire door can suffice; for up to 600 people, two fire doors are required; and for more than 600 employees in a building, three doors are mandated.
Who Is Responsible for Fire Safety in the Workplace?
An employer, owner, landlord or occupier is responsible for fire safety in the workplace. The facilities or building manager can also act as the ‘responsible person’.
As a responsible person, you’re required to conduct regular fire assessments, implement fire safety measures, provide training, conduct drills and plan for emergencies.
When carrying out a fire assessment, you need to identify fire hazards and people at risk. You must remove any risks (such as storing flammable items under improper conditions), prepare for emergencies and regularly update and review fire assessment checklists.
Top Tips for Emergency Exits in the Workplace
- Make modifications as per fire assessment results and the latest government regulations
- Install smoke alarms and fire detection devices
- Install fire extinguishers and other fire-fighting equipment
- Have a no-smoking policy in the workplace
- Conduct fire safety training and drills
- Inspect electrical wiring, circuits and equipment
- Keep emergency contact information updated
- Create PEEP for people with special needs
- Store flammable materials in a proper manner
- Keep fire exit pathways clear and unobstructed
- Clearly mark your emergency exits
- Regularly maintain and repair fire doors
Contact Doorway Services for Repair and Installation of Fire Doors
Emergency exits in the workplace prevent loss of life by allowing easy escape routes for people in the building. Local fire and rescue authorities can visit the premises to check if proper fire assessment and fire exit requirements are being followed. Failure to adhere to the guidelines can lead to alteration, prohibition and enforcement notices. You can also receive penalties worth up to £5,000, and, in worst-case scenarios, you might even face a prison sentence of up to two years.
If you want to upgrade or install fire doors to comply with fire exit regulations in the workplace, Doorway Services can help. We’ll answer all your queries and assist with fire door maintenance, installation and repair.
Contact us to learn more about our services.
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