Last updated: 06/10/2021
A fire escape staircase is a designed as a safe exit route in the event of an emergency and is more often than not attached to the building or structure externally, although they can feature internally. A fire escape staircase can provide employees, contractors, and visitors to your business with a safe means of exit should a fire occur at your commercial property.
Why do you Need a Fire Escape Staircase from Heightsafe?
Should the worst happen, it is imperative that your building has the correct measures and up to date systems in place to provide people with a safe exit in the event of a fire. It is important that your fire escape staircase is safe, in good working condition and repair, and has been tested in line with UK regulations. Additionally, fire escape staircases and emergency exit routes may need to be accessed by emergency services to enter the building in the event of a crisis.
Heightsafe’s internal and external fire escape stairs are designed and manufactured to the highest standards following legislation, and each system comes with security features to suit your requirements.
Why do Fire Escapes Need to be Inspected?
Like any safety system, fire escape staircases must be tested by professionals, in line with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 1998) regulations. Inspections are carried out under the PUWER 1998 guidelines to identify if there is any faults with the system, to ensure that it can be used correctly and safely, and to make sure there is no clear deterioration that would cause further risks when used. This means that fire escape staircases must be tested once every 12 months at a minimum, depending on their usage this may require testing more frequently. There are signs to look out for if you think your fire escape stairs need an immediate inspection, such as:
- Loose or missing fittings or fixtures
- Ladder tracks not running freely
- Snapped ladder ties
- Corrosion or rust
- Bent or dented ladders
Heightsafe Fire Escape Staircases
Heightsafe’s fire escape staircases are available for both supply and installation, and we can arrange for a complete testing and inspection package to suit your company’s requirements. In addition to a bespoke staircase installation or supply, we can also provide hinged access gates, ramps and canopy covers.
Our fire escape staircases are available in a variety of finishes, including hot dip galvanisation, electro plating, and metal painting. We can provide a powder coating finish in any RAL colour for high visibility or in keeping with your brand colours, they will also be fireproofed with intumescent paint.
