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Fire Escape Routes

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Does anyone know what fire regulations are for new/recent build houses? I've viewed several recently, all under 5 years old, and most have the cheaper dg windows fitted that only have the small opening top part for ventilation.

I noticed that some have a fire escape window fitted at the rear where access is difficult for rescue. Mostly, the escape windows are over a conservatory anyway; surely that's not a good exit route?

I've searched the web and this forum but can't find anything specific.

I'm a bit paranoid about this! :o

Comments

  • bobbie78
    bobbie78 Posts: 275 Forumite
    try searching for fensa certificates or means of escape windows. They should all open but especially the upstairs ones to get out if there is a fire and no way to get down the stairs. Sorry I don't have any links to hand but I had to look at something similar at one place I was thinking about buying.
    Official DFW Nerd Club - Member no. 234 Proud to be dealing with my debts I love the Dave Ramsey podcasts. Debt Free Date (including house) Aug 2012 Live on £4000 a year the short version £918 for 29/09/08 - 01/01/09 spent £0 NSD's In October Target 10 Actual 0 Quit smoking 25/09/08 saved £5 so far
  • paddy's_mum
    paddy's_mum Posts: 3,977 Forumite
    I've been Money Tipped!
    andyrules is quite right to be 'paranoid about this' - I am too, having narrowly escaped with my life from a devastating housefire three years ago. I had a complete nervous breakdown afterwards and even today, if I am visiting somewhere, I automatically check the place out for means of escape.

    Your local authority's building regs inspectors may well be a wise first port of call. Perhaps it is enough to say that, based purely on my own dreadful experience, when our home was rebuilt, every single window in the place is an escape route!
  • rayed
    rayed Posts: 37 Forumite
    Hi,

    If the house has two storeys, i.e., ground and first floor then the windows in all of the habitable rooms on the first floor should have openers of at least .3metre square with each side at least 450mm in length.

    If the house has a "protected" staircase, i.e., fire resisting doors with self-closing dvices, then there is no need for escape windows, however this is unusual in two story houses.

    If the house is three storey then escape windows are not allowed on the second floor as it would be too far to drop and a protected staircase must be provided. If the application to build the house was submitted after April 2007 then self-closers are not required.

    Hope this is of some help.

    Ray
    Named after my cat, picture coming shortly
  • andyrules
    andyrules Posts: 3,558 Forumite
    Thanks for replies - paddy'smum, what a terrible experience!

    When we had dg fitted several years ago I insisted that all the upstairs windows were opening even though it hiked up the bill. I'm disappointed with the standards of the new builds that have become quite a high percentage of available housing round here. On the estate I'm looking there are several national builders, McClean, Barrett etc and some local ones, but I can't see any fully opening windows! How can that be? They must be up to regs surely.

    rayed, do you have any links? Whenever I mention it people seem surprised and have clearly not given it a thought!
  • rayed
    rayed Posts: 37 Forumite
    Named after my cat, picture coming shortly
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