Means of escape from upper floors

[Michael]

Following a recent fire risk assessment we require a 2nd opinion please, within our old local school we have a three storey building with a central and protected but open staircase (1.3 metre wide) leading to/from each floor, between the ground and first there is a half level with landing leading to offices and an alternative means of escape via a staircase (approx 1 metre wide) and to ultimate safety (open air), this is also a protected route. At the first floor and second floor levels the classes/rooms open up onto the landings there are no fire lobbies and travel distances are above maximum distances, there is what appears to be an L1 fire alarm system that is fully maintained and tested.

No alternative means of escape from the 2nd floor

2nd floor level is below 30 metres (floor level)

There is a preservation order on this building

75 occupants (staff and pupils) maximum at 2nd floor level and 50 at 1st floor level.

Does at least the 2nd floor require either an external fire escape or an alternative internal means of escape? or what are the options? as the cost and approval implications are horrendous.

Regards

[Tom Sutton]

What do you mean by open and protected staircase, fire protected but open to the elements? What do you mean by travel distances are above maximum distances,single escape route or more than one and by how much? You say 75 occupants maximum on the second floor which is, 15 above the requirement to have an alternative MoE, what mitigating circumstance would you use to justify the extra?

Check out https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-risk-assessment-educational-premises for more information.

You do have options by reducing the numbers on the 2nd floor and increase the number on the other floors, you can reduce the travel distance by providing lobbies but you need to discuss this with you FR assessor, it cannot be done over the internet it's a hands on job.