FT 17 FIRE PHASE

MEANS OF ESCAPE (Part I)

OBJECTIVE 1. To explain the techniques of escapes from a building and their characteristics for a building to have a means of escapes. REFERENCE 2. Manual of Firemanship Book 8.

CONTENTS 3. Definition. Before attempting to understand and study means of escape as a subject it is necessary to form an assessment as to the meaning of expression. However, the subject has been generally defined and the following is a widely accepted. Structural means forming and integral part of the building whereby persons can escape from fire by their own unaided efforts to a place of safety. 4. A careful study of each phrase in this definition will show what it can form a yardstick against which a solution to a means of escape problem can be judged. 5. Escape. This word can be visualized as including jumping from windows, craw king across floors etc. None of these methods is acceptable and it is suggested that the word proceed should be substituted. If should be possible to turn ones back on the fire and walk away to a safe place. This should be aimed at from all parts of a building which are occupied. 6. Fire. Whilst it is obvious that persons should be able to escape from fire, the question of safe escape from heated and text smoke and gases must also be considered. Protection against the products of fire is probably the most important part of means of escape. 7. Unaided. The use of this word indicates that, except in special cases such as non ambulant patients, no mechanical on other devices should ever have to be operated or realized upon. This does not mean that door fastenings should not be used, but would certainly rule out the use of lights or any form of escape which relies upon other persons for its operation e.g. canvas chutes. 9. Place of Safety. Ideally in the open air where dispersal take place. Escape routes should never discharge finally into enclosed yards or areas unless the dispersal area is large enough to permit all the occupants to proceed a safe distance away. Dispersal in the open air therefore constitutes ultimate safety. 10. It is often necessary to divide a halfway place of safety for example, when evacuating high buildings. This may be defined puts an fire resistant enclosed staircases are one example of a place of comparative safety.

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