In the UK, domestic fire is a major killer.
There are more than 65,000 domestic fires every year.
13,500 people are injured in domestic fires every year.
500 people tragically die in domestic fires every year.
As per the building regulations in the UK, it is mandatory for all new houses to have a fire escape window at first floor level and above, as well as a hard wired smoke alarm. However the regulations are silent about the ways you can escape from these windows. Some suggest that you can throw cushions, bedding and soft furnishings out of the window to break your fall. However you can easily see the hazards in using this approach.
In reality, we know that many people will not jump from a window but will instead wait for the Fire Services. This could be potentially fatal as smoke can be the main killer in a fire. The safest and best solution is to leave the building immediately and the Blazescape fire escape ladders make it possible.
In reality we know that many people will not jump from a window but will instead wait for the Fire Services. This could be potentially fatal as smoke can be the main killer in a fire. The safest and best solution is to leave the building.
The Building Regulations 2000 for Fire Safety
Approved Document B:
B1: Means of warning and escape
B2: Internal fire spread (linings)
B3: Internal fire spread (structures)
B4: External fire spread
B5: Access and facilities for the fire service
Requirement B1, The building shall be designed and constructed so that there are appropriate provisions for the early warning of fire, and appropriate means of escape in case of fire from the building to a place of safety outside the building capable of being safely and effectively used at all material times.
New Build requirements Approved Document B Clause 2.8:
Any window provided for emergency egress purposes and any external door that provides for escape should comply with the following conditions:
- The window should have an unobstructed openable area that is at least 0.33m² and at least 450mm high and 450mm wide (the route through the window may be at an angle rather that straight through). The bottom of the openable area should be not more than 1100mm above the floor.
- Egress window dimensions
450mm are the minimum dimensions
0.33m² opening area required
450 X 734 mm = 0.33m²
- For replacement windows
For the purposes of part B1, where a window is located such that, in a new dwelling house, an escape window would be necessary and the window is of sufficient size that it could be used for the purposes of escape then: - the replacement window opening should be sized to provide at least the same potential for escape as the window it replaces; or
- where the original window is larger than necessary for the purposes of escape, the window opening could be reduced down to the minimum specified.
- Where are Egress Windows required?
- Ground Floor-
All habitable rooms except kitchens should:
Open directly onto a hall leading to an exit
or have an egress window installed. - Upper floors not more than 4.5m above ground level-
All habitable rooms except kitchens in upper floors served by one stair case should:
Have an egress window installed
- Reduction in egress size
If a replacement egress window cannot meet the standard size requirements as defined within Clause 2.8 of Approved Document B and the proposed replacement provides a smaller egress size than the original, dispensation needs to be approved by LABC.
This dispensation needs to be approved by your LABC prior to installation!!!
