If there is a fire, people need to leave quickly. Blocked or locked exits are among the most serious problems an assessor can find, and they are easy to put right. This is a practical guide to keeping escape routes safe as part of your fire risk assessment.
Keep routes clear
- No stock, boxes, bins, furniture or equipment in corridors, stairs or in front of exits.
- Keep routes free from trip hazards such as cables and loose mats.
- Make sure doors on escape routes can be opened easily from the inside without a key.
- Check outside the exit too, because the way out must lead to a safe place.
Doors and signs
Fire doors should close properly and not be wedged open. Exit signs need to be visible and lit where required. See our guides on fire doors, fire safety signs and emergency lighting.
Check regularly
Walk the routes often, and especially after deliveries, events or building work. Record what you find in your fire safety register.
Everyone has a part to play
Tell staff not to block exits and to report anything that does. Practising evacuation helps show if routes work; see how to run an evacuation drill.
The law
The Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 require reasonable measures to protect people from fire, and keeping escape routes usable is a basic part of that.
Not sure about your building?
A fire risk assessment looks at your escape routes in detail. Call Safer Solutions on 086 275 9728 or email info@safersolutions.ie.