August 26Aug 26 comment_56115 Hi, We have a large college building (built in 2011) in Belfast of about 100 metres in length with about 12 fire exits on the ground floor. Staff have asked - when the fire alarm is activated is it safe for them to walk along the full length of the foot path directly beside the building to get to the assembly point at the other end of the building? There is a busy road beside the building and we recommend that people do not cross this road when walking to the assembly point.Formerly we had an assembly point at either end of the building but virtually no one used the smaller assembly point near the rear of building so we no longer use it. Many thanks. Report
August 27Aug 27 comment_56117 If the footpath is≥2m wide then it would be considered acceptable in most case≥1.2m and the external wall is non-combustible then it would be considered acceptable in most case< 1.2m then it would be considered unacceptable in most case Report
September 14Sep 14 Author comment_56159 On 27/08/2026 at 10:29, Mike North said:If the footpath is≥2m wide then it would be considered acceptable in most case≥1.2m and the external wall is non-combustible then it would be considered acceptable in most case< 1.2m then it would be considered unacceptable in most caseOn 26/08/2026 at 20:23, AnthonyB said:How close is the path to the building & what width is it?The path runs immediately adjacent to the building and is more that 2 metres in width. The external wall of the building is non-combustible. Report
September 14Sep 14 Author comment_56160 On 27/08/2026 at 10:29, Mike North said:If the footpath is≥2m wide then it would be considered acceptable in most case≥1.2m and the external wall is non-combustible then it would be considered acceptable in most case< 1.2m then it would be considered unacceptable in most caseRe the above proviso "in most case" just wondering when it would NOT be considered acceptable in most case? Report
September 14Sep 14 comment_56162 It would not be the case if there was a Signiant hazard· Plant room opening· Fuel tanks· High risk workshop doors· Glass walls· Stored materials· Cars· Wheelie bins· PalletsThe list is endless, you will need a risk assessment Report
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