Refuges

Refuges are designated areas, protected by fire - resisting construction in which people with impaired mobility can wait assistance. Refuges should, if possible, be sited on each floor adjacent to the stairways forming the escape route. Alternatively, a protected corridor, or even the stairway landing itself, may prove suitable. However, use of an escape route for this purpose must not hinder the evacuation of other occupants.

Each refuge should accommodate the number of disabled people located on that floor, including wheelchair users, and include alternative direction of escape. It should also have some means of communicating with the Security Desk, Reception or whoever controls the evacuation in your workplace.

A trained team can help the evacuee to safety by means of an approved evacuation lift or other method. Where delay may occur in carrying out the evacuation, it will be very reassuring to have someone else remain with the evacuee until the situation is resolved.

Refuge areas should be adequately signposted, and clear instructions for use provided within.

• Protected landing, lobby or corridor
• Minimum half hour fire resistance
• Alternative direction of escape
• Room for others to pass on way our of building
• Prearranged, agreed and clearly identified
• Helper stays with disabled colleague
• Means of communicating with persons conducting the evacuation
• Details passed to Fire Brigade on arrival