NSC16 MEANS OF ESCAPE
Key Principles
It is important to seek to maintain the design discipline of an independent, inclusive approach to the means of escape in any building, to ensure the most simple, safe and quickest process for dealing with any emergency. Disabled staff should always be consulted on their needs.
Design Criteria
1. All emergency exits must be constructed to the same standards as those used for the provision of independent access to a building.
2. Fire-fighting lifts must be provided.
Refuges
1. Must be constructed to a size that relates to the practical use of the building by disabled people and not simply to minimum standards.
2. Be provided with a means of communication with emergency services or building evacuation control point.
3. Must form a part of an integrated emergency strategy.	(Further information available from Access Officer )

* Fire alarms must make use of both visual and audible indicators.
* Visual indicators (e.g. a light) must be signed to indicate their function.
* For staff and other similar situations the use of pagers should be considered.
* Fire alarm call controls must be located no higher than 1200mm above floor level.
* All signs must meet the criteria set out in NSC15 Communication.
* Evacuation plans should be prepared using the “Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan”, (PEEP’s), guide. (See NSC 2 Further Information). 
Other Issues
The denial of access to a disabled person simply on the grounds it may be dangerous to have disabled people, in general, in the building, in case of fire or an emergency may be held to be unlawful under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Use should be made of alarm systems that allow doors to be held open on magnetic switches that can be automatically released in the event of an emergency. It ensures there is no need to attempt to open a door with a heavy closer or the cost and maintenance of an automatic opening device.  

Management procedures for the evacuation of disabled people from a building should be clear and contained in staff guidelines.  They should be regularly rehearsed as a part of every evacuation or fire drill.
Cross References
2 Background Documents and Legislation
6-9 on Doors, Lobbies, Steps and Ramps