179. Means of escape and protected escape routes should be provided with effective lighting to allow persons to safely use these routes in the event of a fire occurring or in the event of failure of the normal lighting power supply. Signs and notices should be provided to help people identify escape routes, find fire-fighting equipment, or to provide specific information or warning about particular equipment, doors, rooms or procedures.
180. The people present in an office will primarily be employees, while those in a shop will be a mixture of employees and members of the public. Employees can reasonably be expected to have an understanding of the layout of the premises, while members of the public, particularly in larger shops, will have no knowledge of alternative escape routes.
181. This chapter considers
182. The premises should be provided with escape route lighting to the extent necessary to ensure that in the event of an outbreak of fire within the building, illumination is provided to assist in escape and to aid staff in implementing the emergency fire action plan.
183. Technical Annexe 13.10 contains benchmarks against which existing provision can be compared.
184. Emergency lighting is lighting designed to come into, or remain in, operation automatically in the event of a local or general power failure. Emergency lighting may also be provided on a wider scale to allow some of the normal functions of the premises to continue, in the event of interruption to the mains supply.
185. A system of automatic emergency lighting is likely to be needed in large complex premises, particularly in those with extensive basements or where there are significant numbers of staff or members of the public. If some escape routes are internal and without windows, or premises are used during periods of darkness, including early darkness on winter days, then some form of emergency lighting is likely to be required.
186. In small premises, in which the escape routes are simple and straightforward, borrowed light may be relied upon to illuminate escape routes, such as from street lamps.
187. The size and type of the premises and the risk to the occupants will determine the complexity of appropriate emergency lighting.
188. Technical Annexe 13.10 contains benchmarks against which existing provision can be compared.
189. In small simple premises where the locations of escape routes and fire-fighting equipment are readily apparent then fire signs may not be necessary. Where there are two escape routes a single sign indicating an alternative exit may be all that is needed. In larger and more complex premises, a series of signs may be needed to indicate the direction of escape routes.
190. Where signs are provided, they should be sited in conspicuous positions. They should be recognisable, readable and informative, as they convey essential information to frequent and infrequent users of the premises. The visibility, illumination and height of display should be carefully considered. Fire signs should normally follow the guidance in British Standards. There is also a need to consider the requirement for building users who are visually impaired.
191. Escape route signs clearly indicate exits not in normal use. The legibility of an escape sign is determined by the size of the sign, the level of illumination and the distance over which it is viewed. The use of signs within the same premises should follow a consistent design pattern or scheme. In multi-occupied premises, co-operation between the respective occupiers, including, if necessary, the managing agent or landlord should be sought to ensure that, as far as possible, all signs in the building conform to a single pattern or scheme. Where an exit cannot be seen or where a person escaping may be in doubt about an escape route, signs with directional arrows should be provided along the route.
192. In shops, signs are particularly important. Shop customers are likely to be unfamiliar with the location of alternative exits and the presence of advertising and customer information or shop dressing, can distract attention from, or obscure escape signs.
193. Other safety signs should be provided to indicate non-automatic fire safety equipment if there is any doubt about its location, such as fire extinguishers that are kept in cabinets or in recesses. A number of other signs may also be necessary such as:
194. All signs and notices should be illuminated to ensure they are conspicuous and legible.
195. Technical Annexe 13.11 contains further information and benchmarks against which existing provision can be compared.
196. Notices are used to provide instructions on how to use any fire safety equipment, the actions to be taken in the event of fire, and to help the Fire and Rescue Service.
197. Notices containing details of the emergency fire action plan specific to the premises should be permanently displayed in appropriate positions throughout the building. A distinction may be required between notices that are designed for visitors as opposed to those for staff. Notices giving full instruction for staff should also be displayed on staff notice boards.
198. In very small offices, shops and similar premises where there is a limited number of people and there is no fire alarm system, it may be reasonable to provide staff with verbal reminders of what they need to do if there is a fire.
199. In multi-occupied, larger and complex premises or where there is a high turnover of staff, a more considered approach for staff notices and instructions will be necessary. As well as positioning fire instruction notices on escape routes adjacent to fire alarm call points, they should be located where staff frequently assemble in the premises such as the canteen and locker room.
200. If premises regularly accommodate people whose first language is not English there may be a need to consider providing instruction in appropriate languages.