Page 378 - IGC BOOK

The width of stairs and corridors should be determined by the number of people who are going
to use the route for escape. Higher numbers of people require wider corridors and stairs to move
safely and quickly. For example, generally, escape routes should not be less than 750mm wide
unless they are to be used by fewer than five people. Escape routes for use by wheelchair users
must be wider (minimum 900mm).

Emergency (Escape) Lighting

Escape routes must be adequately lit. Normal workplace lighting will routinely achieve
this, but there should be arrangements to cover non-routine situations, such as power
failures. This is especially the case when night-time working is taking place or when the
work area is internal to the building or has no external windows (i.e. no natural light).

Emergency escape lighting is necessary where power failure will result in a blackout. In
very simple workplaces this may be a rechargeable torch, but in most workplaces
emergency lighting units are required.

Emergency escape lighting should:
• Illuminate the escape route.
• Illuminate fire signs and equipment.
• Be maintained in safe working order.
• Be tested routinely.

Assembly Points

An assembly point is a place where workers congregate once they have evacuated a building. This
allows for a roll call to be taken and identification of any missing persons. Assembly points should
be in a place of total safety and:

• A safe distance from the building (it may be on fire).

• At a safe location (not in a high-hazard area).

• At a location where people can move further away if needed.
• Out of the way of fire-fighters.

• Clearly signed.

In some cases, a temporary assembly point or ‘refuge’ may be provided

inside a building. This might be used as a location where a person with
impaired mobility temporarily waits for assistance to evacuate the building.

ENSIGN | Unit IG2 – Element 10 –Fire 33