Designing for Safe Egress

1. Designing for Safe Egress Michael Lyons Chartered Engineer

2. Emergency Timeline Available Safe Escape Time Time to Escape Evacuation Time Pre-Movement Time Movement Time Time to Alarm Recognition Time Response Time Time to Detection Prescriptive Rules/Guidance Design Performance Based Design

3. Alarm Systems – Part B (I.S.3218) • Consider dual audible/visual alarm systems with strobe lights • Consider areas of building where one person may be isolated (bathrooms, private offices, meeting rooms) • Set strobe frequency to avoid risk of triggering epileptic seizure • Watch for impact of overlapping strobes • Vibrating alerts available for Deaf building users • Vibrating pillows and other devices available for sleeping accommodation • Management issues arise around keeping units charged, loss of units

4. Wayfinding – Part B • Consider photo-luminescent strips in floor covering or at low level on walls • Handrails help wayfinding, as well as providing physical support – Colour contrast important • Consider location and power of emergency lighting • Efficiency of light fittings will degrade over time • Signage – Consider LED illuminated • University of Reading research shows that the latest generation of LED illuminated signs can improve the legibility and conspicuousness for those with vision impairments. • LED signs tend to be more expensive to install but offer lower power consumption and extended lamp life, which will have ongoing maintenance benefits. • Directional Sound • Best suits buildings where users can be familiarised with operation

5. Fire Exits – Poor position of signage • I.S.3217 Rules • SI 132 / BS5499 • Green ‘Running • Person’ sign

6. Horizontal Movement • Changes in level on circulation routes should be designed out where possible; • Ramps, if required, should comply with recommendations of Technical Guidance Document K and M [or with BS8300] with graspable handrails to each side having a “diameter” of 38 to 50mm. • Handrails that are circular in profile are generally most suitable for people with manual dexterity problems to grip • Final exits should have level thresholds, even those opening onto external flights. • Outward Opening – Fire Safety Certificate Vs. GA Regs 2007 • Final exits, onto firm, level ground - No exits on to grass, or raised paths, or steps)

7. Fire Extinguisher storage

8. Fire Exits – Poor egress

9. Fire exits – Poor Egress

10. Refuge areas • Consider capacity issues • numbers of building users, • need for re-entry to building for ‘buddy’ staff • Fire resisting structure (30 minutes) • Direct access to protected stairwell • Two-way communications system • Clear signage (including tactile & Braille) • Clear identification of location (e.g. stairwell A level 3) • Management Driven • Advise management on limitations and restrictions

11. Refuge areas – coding issues

12. Refuge areas – coding issues

13. Refuge area – call button inaccessible • Out of reach for • wheelchair user

14. Refuge areas - Communications • Sequence Numbers • 01-32 • Translation • Table

15. Escape Stairs - Part B / Part M Closed risers Maximum rise of 170mm and a minimum going of 250mm maximum rise of any flight does not exceed 1,800mm Non-slip nosings, colour contrast to the tread finish, and on first/last step Handrails on both sides, continuous around landings, colour contrasting No spiral or helical stairs

16. Escape Stairs • Stairs not • in regular • use

17. Evacuation Lifts Most robust and effective solution to vertical movement for people with mobility impairments, including wheelchair users Allows people to move with independence and dignity Eliminates manual handling risks, and need for management controls over visitors (see BS 5588 Part 8 / BS9999for spec) Protected enclosure of lift well, lobbies, exit route Primary electrical supply from sub-main circuit exclusive to the lift For more than two storeys, separate independent power supply (generator or separately fused protected circuit) Switch marked ‘Evacuation Lift’ at final exit storey to take control Two-way communication system within lift, usable by people with sensory disabilities

18. Evacuation Lifts

19. Part M Compliance = Part B Compliance ? • Part M • 1991 – 1997 – 2000 • Regulations – TGD-M • Circulation • Evacuation Lift • Staircase design • Part B • 1991 – 1997 – 2006 • Regulations – TGD-B • 1.4.15 • Access requires Egress • Management assumed • BS5588-8:1999 • BS9999

20. World Trade Center (NYC) • John Abruzzo, Accountant • Located on 69th floor • Wheelchair user • 1993 evacuation – 6 hours • 2001 evacuation – 2.5 hours, using evac chair, emergency lighting and improved ventilation

21. Lessons Learned • Effective planning for egress requires a structured process with continuous improvement • Consultation and individual engagement with employees with disabilities are essential • Use a PEEP (Personal Emergency Egress Plan) to agree and document individual plans • The building operator is responsible for complete evacuation of the building (not just to the refuge areas) • For new build or major renovation projects, an evacuation lift provides an ideal solution to vertical movement • Some powered evacuation chairs eliminate the need to transfer wheelchair user out of own wheelchair