Chapter Three: Design Guidelines

IDC Integrated Design Consultants Universal Access Consultants

27.

MEANS OF ESCAPE

As all hoteliers know, hotels and boarding houses are one of the group of buildings, which require the issue of a Fire Certificate. This applies, of course, in cases of existing accommodation as well as newly-built premises. Central to the constructional requirements is the adequate provision of means of escape. This is covered in S.A.B.S. 0246:1993 Code of Practice. At the time of its publication, this code proposed several conceptual changes and clarifications. In considering the Principles of Evacuation the code proposed the progressive movement of disabled people towards greater safety through each level of the building, i.e. through horizontal escape. The limitation of distances of horizontal travel for means of escape purposes means that most disabled people should be able independently to reach the safety of a protected escape route or final exit. However, some disabled people, such as those who use wheelchairs, will not be able to use stairways without assistance. For this reason the concept of the Refuge is important. A refuge is an area that is both separated from the fire by a fire-resisting construction, and will provide a safe route to a storey exit, thus constituting a temporarily safe space for disabled people to await assistance for their evacuation. Examples of refuge can include stair and lift lobbies and even the half-landing within a staircase, provided that it does not become obstructed. Vertical escape has also been developed systematically, and the concept of the evacuation lift has been introduced. An evacuation lift may be used independently by a disabled person, or by someone assisting him or her. It may also be used by a Fire Officer to assist a disabled person to leave the building. Any evacuation lift will therefore need to be provided with refuges for the safety of those awaiting escape by using the lift. Evacuation lifts will be clearly marked, and will have special switching and a fully protected electrical supply. The S.A.B.S. 0246:1993 acknowledges the right of disabled people to use buildings like anyone else. It also places responsibilities on both building users and managers. This enlightened approach is reflected in the new use of safety hangers of bedroom doors.