Fire evacuation routes

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Many Thanks for both replies, this is very helpful and I feel confident that I can change this.

We have a large atrium that stetches the length and height of the building (3 storeys) with office areas each side of this. The atrium has a back door which opens in the direction of travel and a front door which automaically opens in the direction of travel when the alarm sounds. The current routes are signed for people to enter the office areas and use the escape at the other end of the offices. All people in the atrium could just take the nearest door (front or back) and step out to fresh air but I can not find any mention of escape from this area in the original construction plan only the offices and not sure who decided this and put the signs up.

Assumptions on my part of your 'project' changing the fire evacuation routes: That change has happenned, any combination in part or total has occured for you to question; desk layout, wall layout, door layout, working type, volume headcount, HVAC change, or other. If this is not the case, you are questioning the original build, M&E Operating Manual, or original findings of fire risk assessment (basically speaking). Training and if competency is in place to be enabled to make such decisions is important, knowlwedge of your premises and people behaviour is your hindsight that makes you have an extra string to your bow than an external consultant. If you choose to employ a fire risk assessor externally, I would recommend having a 'hindsight list', and the questions you want answered along with your previous fire risk assessment. Take an opportunity to sit down with the assessor prior to his/her work (an hour before? same day or not). I would say you cannot guarantee safety. I believe the nations Fire Authority get called out to arson attacks 2000 times a week throughout the UK (it's in my memory - source unknown, or was it yearly?). I find too many times, that enlisting an external assessor is just a tick box action every year for many organisations, and not followed up on the significant findings contained within it. So that's why I mention a 'hindsight list', for the benefit of other readers who may be taking no notice at all, just filing the documents away.

Someone on the premises should be responsible, and assess the assessment: what requires to be done, if agreeing with it, and if to action according to the document, or matching an equal resolve too, combined with your perception of the Reform (fire safety) Order, and/or building regulations. I would inform the fire authority if you are initiating change. Recommending a fire safety log book with your line drawings and significant knowledge useful to the emergency services: dry riser locations, external hydrants, wet riser, power, maintenance etc. A very large premises may want to lodge a file with their local fire authority as their hindsight is a life saving tool.

If your fears are more so concerned with obstacles, or poor layout of furnishings rather than fixed infrastructure. Then working on getting it cleared and promoted to staff why! Defining egress routes should be tackled with the thought that a fire is directly behind you: Which way is the shortest route to get behind the next nearest fire door, and is it a safe route (free of bedris, machines etc). Signage, instruction, information and training a pre-requisite. Note along the way if alarm systems or information is available and clear. Uniformity is also a nice to have. Fire call points (break glass), information, access to a telephone, is best found if every floor level has these items in roughly the same position.

Dear Alan,
Normally escape routes are design in and approved during the construction of the building following Building Regulations Part B. Escape routes are built with special fire safety features to ensure full compartmentalisation that will prevent the fire spreading in this area.
However if you feel that the current fire escape routes are not suitable and your risk assessment demonstrate that there are better ways to take people out by all means change them, as long as building regulations are not breach. You may want to consult a fire engineer or surveyor for this.
As long as you follow guidance on fire escape routes (see government guidance for offices on section 4 of the following link: http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/fire/pdf/151543.pdf) and comply fully with Article 14 of the order (see below).
Article 14 of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states that (1) Where necessary in order to safeguard the safety of relevant persons, the responsible person must ensure that routes to emergency exits from premises and the exits themselves are kept clear at all times.
(2) The following requirements must be complied with in respect of premises where necessary (whether due to the features of the premises, the activity carried on there, any hazard present or any other relevant circumstances) in order to safeguard the safety of relevant persons
(a) emergency routes and exits must lead as directly as possible to a place of safety;
(b) in the event of danger, it must be possible for persons to evacuate the premises as quickly and as safely as possible;
(c) the number, distribution and dimensions of emergency routes and exits must be adequate having regard to the use, equipment and dimensions of the premises and the maximum number of persons who may be present there at any one time;
(d) emergency doors must open in the direction of escape;
(e) sliding or revolving doors must not be used for exits specifically intended as emergency exits;
(f) emergency doors must not be so locked or fastened that they cannot be easily and immediately opened by any person who may require to use them in an emergency;
(g)emergency routes and exits must be indicated by signs; and
(h) emergency routes and exits requiring illumination must be provided with emergency lighting of adequate intensity in the case of failure of their normal lighting.

Hope this helps, Maria

I am reviewing our fire saftey and do not feel the current evacuation routes are the best routes to guarantee safety. Can I change the routes (as long as I ensure they meet guideline i.e. suitable for number of people, doors open in direction of travel, quickest route to fresh air etc)or do I need to consult the fire authority?

I can not find documentation of who or how the current routes were decided.

Thank you

Alan