kitchenette fire regulations

[Guest Edwin]

Hi, we have a warehouse that is subdivided into 16 units. 8 of these are upstairs with single access. The corridors are 2m wide and near the end of the corridor there is a small kitchenette with microwave and kettle pertruding 0.5m. There are 3 units with entrances past the kitchenette. 

Im just trying to find out the rules regarding kitchenettes in these circumstances since we are very tight on space, if we have extinguishers in the corridor at the back end of the kitchenettes is this kitchenettes within fire regulations?

Thanks for any help with this!

[Tom Sutton]

It is impossible to say without a fire risk assessment you need to study the appropriate guidance for The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 which can be found at  https://www.firesafe.org.uk/regulatory-reform-fire-safety-order-2005/.

As for the kitchenette the guide for factories state,

Particular hazards in corridors and stairways used as escape routes

Items that are a source of fuel, pose an ignition risk, or are combustible and likely to increase the fire loading or spread of fire, should not be located on any corridor or, stairway or circulation space that will be used as an escape route. Such items include: 
  • portable heaters, e.g. bottled gas (LPG) or electric radiant heaters and electric convectors or boilers;
  • gas cylinders for supplying heaters;
  • cooking appliances; and
  • unenclosed gas pipes, meters, and other fittings.

However, where more than one escape route is available and depending on the findings of your risk assessment, items such as those below may be acceptable if the minimum exit widths are maintained and the item presents a relatively low fire risk:
  • non-combustible lockers;
  • vending machines;
  • small items of electrical equipment (e.g. photocopiers); and
  • small coat racks and/or small quantities of upholstered furniture which meets BS 7176 or the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988.