Fire Escapes Windows UK
When replacing any window, the escape aperture should not be reduced. If the original window was larger than necessary for the purpose of an escape, then the new window opening can be reduced down to the minimum as specified in the criteria below. It is generally good practice to replace any window on the first floor that is not used as an escape window with an escape window.
Why do I need Fire Escape Windows?
To meet current Building Regulations for new build, all habitable rooms should have a means of escape:
– Ground floor rooms need a fire escape window/door or direct access to a hallway leading directly to a fire escape window/door.
– First floor rooms, not more than 4.5m above ground level, need a fire escape window.
– Second floor rooms and first floor rooms, more than 4.5m above ground level, need a fire-protected stairwell. Please refer to the current version of Approved Document B for more information.
Minimum requirements for a fire escape:
Fire escape windows must provide an unobstructed opening of at least 0.33m².
Minimum opening width: 450mm
Minimum opening height: 450mm
The lowest part of the window must be between 800-1100mm from the floor.
A step under the window can be installed to meet this requirement.
Example
Opening width: 500mm
Opening height: 700mm
0.5m x 0.7m = 0.35m²
What are the legal requirements for egress windows?
The window should have an UNOBSTRUCTED OPENABLE area that is at least 0.33m2 and at least 450mm high and 450 wide (the route through the window may be at an angle rather than straight through). The bottom of the openable area should be not more than 1100mm above the floor.
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.
Do you need a fire escape window in every room in the UK?
To meet current building regulations in the UK, all habitable rooms need to have a means of escape in case of emergencies. Rooms on the ground floor must have a fire escape window or door.
The means of escape should be considered for any new windows installed to an extension of existing dwelling. If an escape window is required, then the criteria mentioned earlier should be followed. It is also generally a good practice to replace any window on the first floor that is not used as an escape window with an escape window. Only one window per room is generally required.
Please note, Emergency Egress & suitable Escape Windows should be not obstructed.
What is Regulation 38 of the building regulations Scotland?
The purpose of Regulation 38 aims to ensure that information critical to the life safety of people using or working near the building in the event of fire is communicated to the owner, occupier and/or end user, so that the building can be operated and managed correctly, not just at the stage of first construction.
Regulation 38 has been part of the Building Control requirements for many years. It is not something new! In Scotland the information must be provided before completion certificate can be issued. It is not the case in England and Wales. This should be addressed. The reason for this is that the onus is placed on the Person carrying out the work as defined within the regulation, in other words, the contractors. Many contractors are not aware of this and as such seldom is enough information provided. As a result, the Responsible person will not have enough information to meet their obligations under the Fire Safety Order.
The initial enquiry into the tragic Grenfell Tower fire of 2017 and the resulting report by Dame Judith Hackitt, Chapter 8, referred to these requirements as the ‘GoldenThread of Information’.
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.
If for any reason, you have any questions regarding your project, please feel free to contact us so that we may assist you further.
Contact Upvc Windows Scotland to discuss your project today.