In a two storey office accomodation, the nearest exit for me is on the ground floor (witihin 20 paces of my usual sitting position) which is a partially glazed door with a twist lock (easily openable). However this is not a fire exit. After a minor altication with our office manager over the use of the nearest exit and a fire exit, could you please advise if it is ok to use the nearest available exit during the event of a fire/fire drill.

Many thanks

All doors are fire exits if they lead to a place of safety and those that are not in normal use, should be indicated with a fire exit sign.

You should also be aware, if the normal exit you use is unavailable, you know an alternative means of escape from the premises which should be sign posted with directional fire exit signs.

I am interested how do you determine what are fire exit doors?