What This Requirement Covers
Approved Document B and the Equality Act 2010 require that adequate provision is made for disabled persons to evacuate buildings safely. This includes people with mobility impairments, visual or hearing impairments, cognitive disabilities, and temporary impairments. BS 9999 (Code of practice for fire safety in buildings) provides detailed guidance on inclusive escape provision.
Key Requirements
Refuges
- A refuge is a designated area where a disabled person can wait for assistance during evacuation, protected from the effects of fire
- Refuges are required on every storey above and below the ground floor where disabled persons may be present (typically in buildings of 2 or more storeys without evacuation lifts)
- Each refuge must be within a protected stairway, protected lobby, or protected corridor
- Minimum space: 900 mm x 1400 mm for a wheelchair, clear of escape routes used by other occupants
- Each refuge must have a two-way communication system (typically an intercom or induction loop) to the building's fire control point
Evacuation Lifts
- An evacuation lift is a lift specifically designated and designed for use during evacuation
- Required in buildings where it is not practical for disabled persons to use stairs (multi-storey buildings, particularly those with public access)
- Must comply with BS EN 81-76 (evacuation of disabled persons using lifts)
- Must have an independent power supply or be connected to the building's secondary power supply
- Must be clearly signposted and its use included in the building's fire evacuation plan
Visual and Audible Alarms
- Fire alarm systems must include both audible and visual alarm devices in areas where disabled persons may be present
- Visual alarm devices (flashing beacons) compliant with BS 5839-1 should be installed in toilets, bedrooms, and areas with high background noise
- Vibrating alarm devices (pillow or bed shakers) may be required in sleeping accommodation
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)
- Employers and building managers must prepare PEEPs for any disabled person regularly present in the building
- A PEEP identifies the individual's specific needs, the escape route to be used, the assistance required, and the designated refuge point
- PEEPs must be reviewed regularly and practised
- A generic GEEP (General Emergency Evacuation Plan) should be available for visitors and occasional occupants who may need assistance
Practical Compliance Tips
- Include refuge provision in the building design from the outset; retrofitting refuges is difficult and expensive
- Ensure refuge communication systems are tested as part of the fire alarm maintenance regime
- Train designated staff in evacuation assistance techniques, including the use of evacuation chairs
- Maintain evacuation chairs on designated floors and ensure they are regularly inspected
- Mark refuges with the standard international accessibility symbol and include them on fire evacuation plans displayed in the building
- Review PEEPs with the individuals concerned, not just their managers or carers
- Consider the needs of people with non-visible disabilities (e.g., cognitive impairments, anxiety) in the evacuation plan