26.1 Means of access and egress, plus associated fire safety equipment, must be assured for persons with disabilities. Residents, visitors and staff must be considered when planning for disabled persons, which should form part of the fire risk assessment. Whilst access does not necessarily fall within the remit of the Fire and Rescue Service, egress and movement within the premises does, the two can therefore be inextricably linked.
26.2 Some facilities should be provided irrespective of individual’s disabilities i.e. means of escape. This may be elaborate and take the form of evacuation lifts or more simple such as a refuge. Each premises has its own complications and therefore must be treated on its own merits. Inspecting officers need to satisfy themselves that the disabled persons have been satisfactorily considered within the risk assessment and issue suitable reports/notices where appropriate.
26.3 At certain times, premises will accommodate persons with disabilities outside the expected norm. This may be due to new admissions or deterioration of an individual. This should trigger a review of the fire risk assessment and appropriate safety measures taken. Again, inspecting officers should be alert to individual ailments/needs and ensure appropriate measures are in place. In terms of egress, appropriate measures do not always mean physical adaptations and could include, for example, staff assistance with appropriate training.
26.4 When assessing fire safety requirements, bear in mind the full range of needs of people with disabilities. These include physical, such as mobility, dexterity, visual and audio to mental impairments such as learning difficulties, stroke, dependencies on alcohol, drugs etc.
NOTE:
Refuge
A refuge is an area that is enclosed with fire-resisting construction (other than any part that is an external wall of a building) and served directly by a safe route to a storey exit, evacuation lift or final exit, thus constituting a temporary safe space for disabled people to await assistance for their evacuation. They are not areas where disabled people should be left alone indefinitely until rescued by the fire and rescue service, or until the fire is extinguished.
Evacuation lift
Evacuation lifts may be used for the evacuation of persons with disabilities in a fire or other emergency situation under the direction of management or firefighters. An evacuation lift should conform to the current British Standard. Advice should be obtained from the local authority fire safety officer or the local authority building control officer. Normal lifts should not be used for evacuation purposes.
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