Protected Routes

• Corridors, lobbies, stairways
• Clear exit width maintained
• No unauthorised storage
• No combustible materials
• Fire doors all working and kept shut
• No breach in fire resisting construction

Where rooms open onto a 'dead-end' corridor (that is, offering only single direction of escape), or onto a corridor that serves sleeping accommodation, or where there is only one route out of the building, it will usually be necessary to make this a 'protected route'.

This means ensuring that the walls, ceiling and floor all give at least 30 minutes fire resistance, that there are no breaches in the fire-resisting construction, and that the fire doors are kept closed, unless held open by an automatic system.

It is important that protected routes are kept free of combustible materials and furnishings, or any heat-producing equipment like photocopiers and portable heaters. Notice boards and display stands are easily ignitable - if allowed, any loose papers should be protected by glass or lamination.

In addition a clear exit width must be maintained throughout the escape route at all times, if necessary by marking the floor with yellow hatching. This width is generally defined as 1 metre minimum, or 1.2 metres where wheelchairs users may use the escape route.