Can a fire escape be used as goods entrance?

[Guest LeeEdge]

Hi There,

Can a pair of fire escape doors be used as a goods entrance?

Also to be used as a entrance by staff using a key ?

Whilst being the only fire escape route.

[Sally H]

It would not be acceptable practice to use your fire exit as a goods entrance. This is because the final exit door(s) and escape route(s) through a building must be kept clear at all times.

You mention that this is the only escape route so the risk would be that goods are being delivered/unloaded from a vehicle or perhaps taken into the building when fire breaks out elsewhere in the premises. The one and only route and exit would then be blocked and people would not be able to evacuate swiftly and safely.

It is fine to allow staff to enter through the doors with a key; but to exit the building the doors should be fitted with emergency push pads, so that no key is needed in order to escape from the building in an emergency/fire situation.

[Tom Sutton]

Yes providing they are easily opened from the inside without the need of a key, when the premises is occupied and are kept clear of obstructions. Are you saying you only have one entrance, all doors are fire doors if you are to use them to escape from fire?

[Tom Sutton]

Hi LeeEdge could you get back to us and tell us the layout of your premises and is the "fire escape doors" the only doors into your premises. I would suggest that many people believe "fire escape doors" have to display a fire exit sign which is not correct please let me know.