External stairways
To be considered a viable escape route, an
external stairway should normally be protected
from the effects of a fire along its full length.
This means that any door, window (other
than toilet windows) and walls within 1.8m
horizontally and 9m vertically below any part
of the stairway should be fire-resisting.
Windows should be fixed shut and doors selfclosing
(see Figure 39).
Consider protecting the external stairway from
the weather as the treads may become slippery,
e.g. due to algae, moss or ice. If this is not
possible, you must ensure that the stairway is
regularly maintained. Consider fixing non-slip
material to the treads.
Part 2 • Further guidance on fire risk assessment and fire precautions