Fire Safety Law

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Article 3

Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

Article 7

All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.

Article 30

Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2005

Article 14 (b)

“in the event of danger, it must be possible for persons to evacuate the premises as quickly and as safely as possible”

Article 15 (1)

(a) establish and, where necessary, give effect to appropriate procedures, including safety drills, to be followed in the event of serious and imminent danger to relevant persons;

(b) nominate a sufficient number of competent persons to implement those procedures in so far as they relate to the evacuation of relevant persons from the premises;

Building Regulations Part B (Fire safety)

Part B includes further requirements for means of escape for disabled people such as emergency voice communications in refuges, management plans for effective evacuation and clearer signage, whilst as-built plans must include escape routes for those with disabilities.

This also contains information on:

evacuation lifts;

final exits;

ramps and sloping floors;

travel distance limitations;

phased evacuation;

refuges for wheelchairs users;

vision panels;

warning for hearing impaired people;

Building Regulations Part M (Access To and Use of Buildings)

Part M sets minimum standards for access and use of buildings by all building users, including disabled people.  The regulation avoids specific reference to, and a definition of, disabled people.  This inclusive approach means that buildings and their facilities should be accessible and usable by all people who use buildings – including parents with children, older people and disabled people.