Introduction to Fire Safety Management

15.27.4 Means of escape
The RRFSO requires that the responsible person pro-
vides a means of escape [4.(1)(b)] and ensures that 
they are available at all times [4.(1)(c)]. In particular the 
RRSFO requires that:
Escape routes
are established and always avail able 
and lead as directly as possible to a place of safety. 
Doors must open easily and in the direction of escape, 
no sliding or revolving doors. They should be adequate 
in size and number and provided with emergency 
lighting and signs [14(1) and (2)].
Signs and notices
must be provided that are 
appropriate and that:
➤
Give instruction to employees and other relevant 
persons [Schedule 1 Part 3(h)] of emergency proce-
dures including fi re action notices [19(1)(c) 4.(1)(f)]
➤
Indicate the position of extinguishers [13(1)(b)]
➤
Indicate emergency routes and exits. [14(2)(g)]
Fire detection and alarm
system must be provided 
[13(1)(a), 4.(1)(e) and 15(2)(a) and (b)]. The type and cover-
age of the fi re alarm would be subject to the requirements 
of the risk assessment.
Emergency lighting 
must be provided in escape 
routes [14(2)(h)].
Compartments and doors.
The RP must take 
measures to ensure all fi re resisting walls and doors 
are kept in good order, walls, ceilings and fl oors are not 
breached and fi re doors have appropriate intumescent 
strips, cold smoke seals and closing devices [4.(1)(a)]. 
15.27.5 Fire 
fi ghting
The RP must provide appropriate fi re fi ghting equip-
ment [4.(1)(d), 13(1)(a), 13(1)(b) and 13(3)(a)]. In general 
this means portable extinguishers but may include hose 
reels, sprinklers and other types of fi xed installations 
where appropriate.
15.27.6 Maintenance
All equipment installed for the purposes of fi re safety 
must be maintained in good working order by either 
the responsible person or occupier [17(1) and (2)]. The 
person who undertakes the maintenance must be com-
petent [18(1) through (8)]. You may need to provide evi-
dence that they are third party accredited, e.g. ISO 9001 
certifi ed, LPCB approved, etc.