What is the law on fire exits?

Fire exit doors must, by their very nature, be incorporated into the external walls of a building and, although the RRFSO states that they “must not be so locked or fastened that they cannot be easily and immediately opened by any person who may require to use them”, i.e. when exiting a building in a fire situation.

What constitutes an emergency exit?

An emergency exit is an exit that is used to provide a safe means of escape from a structure or area in the event of an emergency, such as a fire. The exit must be in an easily accessible, unobstructed, and permanent location.

Should emergency exit doors be kept closed?

Rule #1 – A fire door must be SELF-CLOSING. A fire door will hinder the spread of smoke and fire only if it’s closed when the fire occurs. A door that closes each time it is opened may be inconvenient for some building occupants, so these doors are often propped open.

What will not help a quick and safe exit in the event of a fire?

sliding or revolving doors are not used for exits specifically intended as emergency exits. emergency doors are not locked or fastened that they cannot be easily and immediately opened by any person who may require to use them in an emergency.

Can a fire exit be used as a normal exit?

We’re sometimes asked, incidentally, whether a designated fire exit can also legally be used as a regular entrance/exit door i.e. for every day use. The answer is yes it can – indeed the fact that it is in daily use makes it ideal as an escape route as its location is well known.

What is the minimum width of a fire exit?

Minimum width for an escape route should ideally be 1050mm but in any case not less than 750mm and where wheelchair users are likely to use it not less than 900mm. The premises fire risk level will be obtained from your fire risk assessment (use medium risk if you are not sure of your premises risk level).

Can a fire exit have a lock?

Fire exit doors must not be locked with a key or padlock whilst a building is in use. However, when a building is unoccupied it can be locked as securely as required.

Can an exit door have a deadbolt?

Egress doors must be readily openable from inside of the dwelling without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort. While a deadbolt with a thumbturn is typically acceptable on these doors, a double-cylinder deadbolt does not meet the IRC’s requirements for a lock on an egress door.

What is the AS / NZS 2293 emergency escape lighting and exit signs?

This standard is referred to in the Catalogue of Australian Standards as AS 2293 Set-2005 Emergency escape lighting and exit signs Set. The Standards outline requirements and guidelines for an installation that ensures illumination to the nominated areas for the safe evacuation of occupants from those areas in an emergency situation.

What is the standard for emergency exits in buildings?

This Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand Committee LG-007, Emergency Lighting in Buildings, to supersede AS 2293.1—2005, Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for buildings, Part 1: System design, installation and operation.

What is the standard for emergency exit lighting in Australia?

Your exit sign and emergency lighting must comply with this standard. This standard is referred to in the Catalogue of Australian Standards as AS 2293 Set-2005 Emergency escape lighting and exit signs Set.

When does regulation 6 apply in New Zealand?

This regulation does not apply if the owner of a building has an evacuation scheme for the building that has been approved under section 21C of the Act. Every tenant of a building must, in a fire emergency requiring evacuation of the building,— follow the evacuation procedure provided by the owner of the building under regulation 6; and