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Dimensions for external fire escape

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I am trying to find the required dimensions for an external fire escape from a multi-storeyed house. Can you please advise? Building Regulations appear to deal with internal stairs and exits from a building.

Is it a house converted into flats or is it a single private dwelling house because it will decide which approved document should be used?

Use Approved Document B volume 1 if it is a single dwelling house and use volume 2 if it is a flat 

External fire escapes are staircases therefore use the same guidance as for internal staircases, use Approved Document K, Approved Document M and Approved Document B, for its design. However there are additional requirements, inspecting, testing and protection from the elements. 

Check out http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Stairs  

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/buildingregulations/approveddocuments/  

  • 1 year later...

Our house is one converted into five flats with an external fire escape. Approved Document K appears to require ALL staircases with open risers to have a vertical gap of less than 100mm. Is this correct?

Our house is one converted into five flats with an external fire escape. Approved Document K appears to require ALL staircases with open risers to have a vertical gap of less than 100mm. Is this correct?

This is a new fire escape.

You should check it out with Building Control but it appears there should be no gaps for flats and you should not be able to pass a 100mm sphere between the open steps for dwellings.  

Check out  https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/443181/BR_PDF_AD_K_2013.pdf page 6

  • 4 years later...

Hi, I need a walkway outside the first floor of a commercial building for emergency exits for 3 flats. Do you think I need planning permission for the walkways? Planners have no idea and want me to apply anyway but can't say if I do need one! 

 

Many thanks 

This isn't a planning law forum, however if in doubt it's probably better to apply and not need it than the other way around!

More important is the submission to Building Control for the work which you will have to do regardless of planning.

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