Dryer on exit route

[Guest Carrol Reed]

We are student landlords and have had our house for over 18 years. During that time we have always followed every action needed for safety and fire. After a recent inspection from our local council connected with our license - we have been asked remove a condensing dryer to the kitchen or lounge!  The condensing dryer is just 9 months old. It is positioned on the landing in an alcove and is not blocking the fire escape route.  We spoke with the council officials who are adamant this is not acceptable.  We have numerous smoke and fire alarms throughout the building connected to the mains.  Can anyone tell us if this is correct or are the rules being misinterpreted. 

[AnthonyB]

Fire escape routes are generally required to be 'protected routes' so that they cannot be affected by fire and smoke until well after sufficient time has elapsed for everyone to escape. There are two principles to the protection - that of protection from the effects of fire adjoining the route, dealt with by the use of fire resisting construction and doors to the route; and that of protection from a fire originating in the route itself, dealt with by the route being 'sterile' and containing no ignition sources beyond simple electrical fittings and no combustibles beyond wall and floor linings (which themselves usually should be low or non flammable).

Drying machines are a known fire risk and have over the years been involved in many fires, including injury and fatality fires, in domestic and commercial premises and so would understandably be unacceptable on an escape route. Whilst detection is fitted the heat output and smoke that would be in the escape route by the time it activates could well be such that the route is untenable or at least presents a significant risk of injury trying to pass it.