Final Exit Clear Widths
Hi All,
I just came across this from a fire consultant (UK building regulations Part B): “the width of final exit should be at least the same as the minimum required width of the escape route” - taken from approved documents B. He said because my stairs have 1000mm clear width (to satisfy part m of the regs not part b) my final exit door needs to be also. I have never come across this and ive calculated the occupancy numbers which shows they can easily get out the building with the extra other fire exits in the building. The stairs only serves 26 people on an office on first floor with 2 stairs on either side of the office. My argument is 1. The door from the office to the stairs on first floor isnt 1000mm wide for clear width (surely this is already restricting the width less than 1000mm, as the door provides 850mm clear width). 2. The calculated occupancy numbers are so small it shows it is acceptable, therefore, if there is no stairs there it is allowed to have 850mm width or if i change my stairs to 850mm to satisfy part B of building regs but doesnt for part m).
What are your views and has anyone come across this and won the argument or would i have to just give in and make my door 1000mm clear width?
Thank you