Creating steelwork designed to enhance the safety of a space is something we specialise in at Two J’s Metalwork. One project we’ve worked on that fits this category is the design and manufacturing of an external fire escape staircase for the Newhaven Ferry Terminal.
In this case study, we outline the project requirements, share some insights into the work we do with fire escape steelwork, and share some issues that we overcame to create safety-assured stairs.
Fire Escape Staircase Project Overview
Most of the time, clients come to us with a request in mind but are unsure of how the final product will look. That is often the case with steel fire escapes, as our team of experts can advise on how best to align with building regulations and style requirements.
Within this project, we completed the full package for this staircase, which included design, construction, and installation. To ensure this fire escape met all legal requirements, we worked with the project’s structural engineer to complete the design practically.
What Needs to be Considered When Designing a Fire Escape Staircase?
Steel staircases are a common product that we design and install. As a robust piece of structural steelwork, there are lots of safety considerations and regulations to adhere with. This includes the following:
Legal Requirements – In the UK, all fire escapes must align with strict safety regulations. This not only relates to the structure design, but also the materials being used. This means all designs need to align with BS 9999, BS EN 1993, and EN 1090, plus also be fire and heat-resistant.
Loading Weight – Steel staircases also need to be designed to hold heavy loads as they will experience heavy footfall during evacuations. This also means welded connections and installation points need to be of top quality.
Material and Design Considerations – Evacuation staircases need to include strong handrails, slip-resistant surfaces, safety guards, and wide platforms to ensure they can be used with ease.
Longevity Considerations – Finally, fire escapes must be corrosion-resistant to prevent any issues from occurring when they are being used.
Issues that we Overcame
One of the main factors we had to overcome was working with restricted access hours due to the ferry terminal’s operating hours. This meant we had to complete all work at night. However, this is not an issue for our team as we have lots of experience of scoping out project factors and ensuring we can work to meet them, with restrictive times being just one example.
Being so close to the sea also meant that the steelwork had to be galvanised and then powder coated. This added extra processes to the manufacturing time but was essential as this provided maximum surface protection and longevity given the location of the staircase.
Choose Two J’s Metalwork
No matter the location of your required steelwork or architectural metalwork, our team of professionals can design, manufacture and install professional solutions to meet your needs. Contact our team now to discuss your upcoming project.
