Fire exit concerns looking for an alternative

drinkduffbeers

Buying a fantastic maisonette the only access is from behind this locked gate.  I don’t want to start on the wrong foot with the landlord but I’m uncomfortable with the locked gate from a fire safety point of view.  Any ideas on a padlock and chain alternative which I’d happily pay for

Section62

drinkduffbeers said:

Buying a fantastic maisonette the only access is from behind this locked gate.  I don’t want to start on the wrong foot with the landlord but I’m uncomfortable with the locked gate from a fire safety point of view.  Any ideas on a padlock and chain alternative which I’d happily pay for

If you were inside, unconscious due to smoke inhalation from a fire, who would be able to unlock the gate to let the firefighters in to rescue you?

The lock options need to be limited to methods that the fire service can bypass without any delay.  I.e. at most a chain which can be cropped through in seconds.

Personally though, there is no way I would buy a property whose only access is behind a locked gate like that - not just from the fire safety POV but also other factors such as a steel security gate being offputting to future purchasers, and practical issues such as how would your post/packages will be delivered?

macman

Is that gate permanently locked, or is it open in trading hours? Who controls it, the LL or the hair salon?

drinkduffbeers

That’s a really good point with the chain, firefighters would always be able to crop it . Keypads and the like would impede access 

Primarily I will be upgrading the smoke detectors and also installing means of escape at the front and back, it’s only the first floor 

The amazing location out trumps any inconvenience for me with regard deliveries or parking etc. It’s a retirement flat and don’t envision moving .  It’s been like that over 120 years so I’m happy to adapt .  

Doozergirl

I'm wondering why a hair salon needs a locked gate.  

Section62

Doozergirl said:

I'm wondering why a hair salon needs a locked gate.  

Keeping the drunks and druggies out of the lobby area?  Looks like it would be a perfect impromptu public toilet if the gate wasn't there to keep people out.

As a buyer it just screams "problem" to me... and the situation could get worse if the landlord decided/had to remove the gate in future.

drinkduffbeers

Deffo want to keep the gate.   There is a pub Nextdoor 😁

drinkduffbeers

It’s just locked during closed hours.  There is a newsagent, hair salon and maisonette access behind the gate 

drinkduffbeers

The chain comment earlier that it could be easily cropped by firefighters has made me much more comfortable.  Need to keep it simple 

I will install linked smoke detectors as a condition of sale 

Section62

drinkduffbeers said:

Deffo want to keep the gate.   There is a pub Nextdoor 😁

That will be the reason for the gate then.

Slinky

Section62 said:

drinkduffbeers said:

Deffo want to keep the gate.   There is a pub Nextdoor 😁

That will be the reason for the gate then.

Won't stop blokes pi$$ing through the railings. The women will struggle a bit though.