Width of doors stairs and escape routes
The building regulations Approved Document B2, ‘Fire safety: Buildings other than dwellinghouses’, suggests that the width of:
- A door (or doorway) is the clear width when the door is open (see Diagram C1);
- An escape route is the width at 1,500 mm above floor level when defined by walls or, elsewhere, the minimum width of passage available between any fixed obstructions;
- A stair is the clear width between the walls or balustrades.
In the case of escape routes and stairs, handrails and strings which do not intrude more than 100 mm into these widths may be ignored (see Diagram C1).
The rails used for guiding a stair-lift may be ignored when considering the width of a stair. However, it is important that the chair or carriage is able to be parked in a position that does not cause an obstruction to either the stair or landing.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Intricate inlays and beautiful patterns can be created with waterjet cutting.
Two historic quarries in environmentally sensitive areas were reopened to repair Exeter Cathedral.
The phrase ‘time at large’ describes the situation where there is no date for completion, or it has become invalid.
The Maldives is under threat from climate change. Read this report from BRE on their potential involvement in the region.
MHCLG update states there are still 124 private high-rise buildings with unsafe cladding and no remediation plan.
Starting a new built environment degree? We have a wide range of resources aimed at students.
Former railway chief James Blake says trust and control are key to successful infrastructure projects.
Do you know your Rococo from your De Stijl, your Gothic from your Post-modernist?
May outlines a new funding strategy for housing associations and says the 'stigma' of social housing needs to end.
RIBA launches a consultation on a new Plan of Work for Fire Safety.