Lesson 4 – Escape Routes, Emergency Exits and Fire Doors

4.1 Escape routes

An escape route is a safe route people can use to leave a building during an emergency.

A workplace fire and evacuation plan should provide:

• Clear passageways;
• Clearly marked escape routes;
• Routes that are as short and direct as possible;
• Sufficient exits;
• Doors that open easily;
• Emergency lighting where required;
• Employee training; and
• A safe assembly point.

4.2 Keeping routes clear

Employees must not place or allow:

• Boxes;
• Furniture;
• Deliveries;
• Bicycles;
• Waste;
• Cables;
• Cleaning equipment;
• Stock;
• Displays; or
• Personal belongings

in corridors, stairs or doorways forming part of an escape route.

A temporary obstruction can still delay evacuation.

4.3 Emergency exits

Emergency exits should:

• Be clearly identified;
• Be accessible;
• Open as intended;
• Not be locked in a way that prevents escape;
• Not be obstructed;
• Lead toward a place of safety; and
• Be reported immediately if defective.

Employees should never assume that another exit is available without checking the site’s evacuation information.

4.4 Fire doors

Fire doors are designed to resist the spread of fire and smoke for a period of time. They help protect escape routes and separate parts of a building.

A fire door may include:

• A fire-resistant door leaf;
• An appropriate frame;
• Intumescent strips;
• Smoke seals;
• Fire-resistant glazing;
• Suitable hinges;
• A self-closing device; and
• Appropriate signage.

4.5 Fire-door hazards

Employees should report:

• Doors wedged open;
• Missing or damaged closers;
• Doors that do not close fully;
• Damaged seals;
• Excessive gaps;
• Damaged glazing;
• Locks preventing escape;
• Holes cut into doors;
• Doors dragging on the floor;
• Missing signage; or
• Items obstructing the door.

Fire doors should not be wedged open unless an approved automatic device is installed as part of the building’s fire-safety system.

4.6 Residential buildings

The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 contain requirements concerning fire doors in buildings containing two or more domestic premises with common parts used for evacuation. In all relevant multi-occupied residential buildings, residents should receive information about fire safety and the importance of fire doors. Additional checking duties apply to certain taller buildings.

MyEstate staff should report observed defects to the responsible person or property manager. They should not certify a fire door as compliant unless competent and authorised.

4.7 Lifts

Unless the emergency plan specifically identifies an evacuation lift, ordinary passenger lifts should not be used during a fire.

Staff must follow the building’s own evacuation instructions.

Lesson 4 key point

Escape routes must remain available at all times, and fire doors must be able to close properly to restrict fire and smoke.