Fire escapes provide a quick way of evacuating a building safely in the event of a blaze or other emergency.
Routes need careful planning to take account of corridors, internal fire doors, stairwells and fire exits leading to outside areas or designated gathering points.
What is the relevant legislation?
In the UK, fire escape staircase rules are mainly governed by:
- The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) for ongoing operation
- Building Regulations (Approved Document B) for design, construction and any alterations
- Extra legislation including the Building Safety Act 2022 and the Fire Safety Act 2021 give an updated overview, especially for high-rise residential structures in the wake of the Grenfell disaster
Key obligations under UK law
- External staircases must be made from non-combustible materials such as steel or concrete and must usually be rated as able to withstand flames for between 30 and 60 minutes.
- Escape stairs also need enough ventilation to stop smoke build-up. Plus they have to be lit properly, with emergency lighting which kicks in automatically if there’s a power failure.
- You additionally need sturdy, continuous handrails, typically on both sides of the staircase if it’s a wide one. Rails should be set between 900mm and 1100mm high and follow Part K Building Regulations, which also stipulate tread height.
- Any doors giving on to landings must not open closer than 400mm to the edge of any step.
- Escape staircases cannot be obstructed by anything at any time, plus they must be inspected every three months.
- Commercial properties generally need a minimum of two separate, independent escape routes.
Design durability – choosing the right metal fabricator
Steel is typically the best material to choose for external fire escapes, given its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and ability to resist both fire and corrosion. So, in an emergency, this metal offers superior reliability. Not only that, but it’s flexible and customisable, readily complies with safety regulations and is cost-effective as well as low-maintenance.
When choosing the best metal fabricator to design your steel fire escape, you’ll need to check out their credentials and be sure they consistently follow best practices in terms of design and material selection.
Here are some things to think about:
- Verification and compliance
It’s a legal requirement for all load-bearing structural steel, including fire escapes and other exterior stairs, to comply with the BS EN 1090-2 standard and be UKCA/CE-marked.
Equally, your fabricator must hold current Factory Production Control (FPC) and welding certificates.
They should also be able to provide total traceability for all the steel they use and offer complete site surveys plus 3D modelling looking at site limitations, window placements and door openings before construction even starts.
- Durability and longevity
Your fabricator must include adequate corrosion protection as a key part of the project.
Hot-dip galvanising, for example, offers outstanding protection from rust, plus you can overcoat it with a powder coating to enhance the look.
Additionally, ask about the structural integrity of the joints and welding – look for precision fabrication.
This is vital for the safe evacuation of a number of people at the same time.
- Safety features
Steps and landings should have open-grated or punched treads or those treated with an anti-slip coating to stop people from tripping or falling during harsh weather conditions.
At the same time, fabricators should protect the escape route from flames or smoke coming from lower doors or windows, for example with self-closing doors.
Steel fire escapes from Two J’s Metalwork, your trusted Sussex partner for bespoke metalwork solutions
At Two J’s Metalwork, we have many years’ experience as metalwork fabricators under our belt and offer tailored solutions for domestic, commercial and industrial clients across Sussex and beyond.
We handle every project with the same expertise, innovative approach, meticulous attention to detail and passion for getting it right, whatever the size of the job.
Our commitment to quality means we invariably create a durable yet visually striking final product.
We devise and fit bespoke fire escapes in full compliance with the UK’s building regulations and safety standards, tailored specifically to your building.
Plus we manage the whole project lifecycle, including the safe removal of older structures.
We can also add particular finishes, such as a hardwearing black power-coasting for excellent weather resistance and a striking appearance.
After all, a fire escape has an important function but that doesn’t mean it has to be an eyesore.
Learn more about our unrivalled craftmanship today.
Get in touch to discuss how our bespoke metalwork solutions could transform your project.
