Hey folks.
In relation to throw out escape ladders in an office building - where do we stand on this?
Would I be right to say they can't be used?
Throw out escape ladder
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bernicarey
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Re: Throw out escape ladder
Ummm... never in a month of Sundays (generally speaking) but....
Ultimately it's down to the FRA, but for example, in the Booklet for Offices and Shops, p64 says....
They are talking about a fixed ladder that is perhaps an escape route from a plant room in the loft space, not an office that is occupied in normal office hours
You would really have to be sure of your ground to justify the use, have frequent training in the use, be very certain of the type you were using and how accessible to use it, etc.
Something like this is more appropriate than one that is thrown out of a window and hands loose. https://www.saffold.co.uk/
A 'throw out' is horrendous to try and use. Have you ever tried climbing a rope ladder that isn't secured top and bottom?
I don't think you will EVER see a throw out type advertised as anything other than 'domestic use'.
But ultimately, it;'s your FRA...
Ultimately it's down to the FRA, but for example, in the Booklet for Offices and Shops, p64 says....
Note the " exceptional circumstances".While not normally acceptable, the use of
ladders, floor hatches, wall hatches or window
exits may be suitable for small numbers of
able-bodied, trained staff in exceptional
circumstances.
They are talking about a fixed ladder that is perhaps an escape route from a plant room in the loft space, not an office that is occupied in normal office hours
You would really have to be sure of your ground to justify the use, have frequent training in the use, be very certain of the type you were using and how accessible to use it, etc.
Something like this is more appropriate than one that is thrown out of a window and hands loose. https://www.saffold.co.uk/
A 'throw out' is horrendous to try and use. Have you ever tried climbing a rope ladder that isn't secured top and bottom?
I don't think you will EVER see a throw out type advertised as anything other than 'domestic use'.
But ultimately, it;'s your FRA...
Last edited by bernicarey on Fri May 04, 2018 12:00 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: correcting my spelling mistooks!
Reason: correcting my spelling mistooks!
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Re: Throw out escape ladder
Almost certainly no offices would justify a throw out ladder. I had an enquiry from a client who have specialist manufacturing premises in Cyprus
They had two throw out ladder from the third floor officers. I asked for drawings and photos. They were incomplete so I asked for more info
In the end the client flew me to Cyprus to do a UK standard fire risk assessment on 4 premises there.it was a tough job, but somebody had to do It!!
As I thought , the 2 x Halfords ladders were not required. They were too short, landed on the horizontal sun visors on the floor below and in any case, a suitable protected route was already available
I would avoid such a ladder in all commercial premises
They had two throw out ladder from the third floor officers. I asked for drawings and photos. They were incomplete so I asked for more info
In the end the client flew me to Cyprus to do a UK standard fire risk assessment on 4 premises there.it was a tough job, but somebody had to do It!!
As I thought , the 2 x Halfords ladders were not required. They were too short, landed on the horizontal sun visors on the floor below and in any case, a suitable protected route was already available
I would avoid such a ladder in all commercial premises
Re: Throw out escape ladder
There are absolutely 'no' circumstances (in my opinion) which would justify a throw out ladder in this day and age, other than for home use perhaps.
I tried one of these a few years back because someone asked me for advice because they were considering using one in a situation similar to what you suggest. It was crazily dangerous and only the very fittest and nimblest could possibly ever use one safely.
As I have said, maybe at home, but in a office block, no way.
I tried one of these a few years back because someone asked me for advice because they were considering using one in a situation similar to what you suggest. It was crazily dangerous and only the very fittest and nimblest could possibly ever use one safely.
As I have said, maybe at home, but in a office block, no way.
