If in doubt, we always recommend that you consult the relevant authorities first before purchasing fire escape ladders. There are some additional guidelines for the rented sector, of which the local authority will be able to advise in respect of appropriate fire escape solutions. However, businesses will have to make a judgement about the suitability of fire escape ladders in their particular situation and will have to justify this decision to the fire services in case of an inspection. Businesses, landlords and home owners are of course free to add fire escape ladders in addition to the requirements of the Building Regulations.įor existing business premises, the various fire risk assessment guidelines for different industries offer general guidance on escape routes. New buildings must observe the Building Regulations, which define the number and design of escape routes required. What does legislation say about fire escape ladders? in the case of HMOs) or the fire risk assessor. When in doubt, advice should be sought either from the local authority (e.g. The most acceptable type of escape ladder in commercial buildings, especially in any historic building, is the externally installed fold-out escape ladders that can be produced in any colour to match the existing colour scheme. Fire escape ladders are usually not permitted as an alternative escape route in new buildings. This depends, however, on the profile of people in the building are they all able-bodied, are there members of the public as well, etc. If, for example, office blocks of up to ten metres in height have segments that can become cut off from escape routes through fire, fire escape ladders can be a feasible means of creating a secondary escape route. In commercial premises, fire escape ladders can address the problem of insufficient provision of fire escapes identified through the fire risk assessment. On the other hand, most private homes, to give one example, will benefit from having fire escape ladders fitted as these offer a secondary escape route without relying on the fire services.

windows that open up fully to accommodate evacuees), these still rely on the fire services arriving in time to rescue those who are obliged to wait their turn at the window. While all modern buildings have fire escape windows (i.e. a staircase) can become blocked by fire, with no alternative means of escaping. Where are fire escape ladders used?įire escape ladders are fitted where there is the chance that an existing escape route (e.g. More advanced fire escape ladders are permanently installed in the cavity wall of a building or fitted as fold-out ladders to an outside wall. Some escape ladders, however, are clipped onto eye bolts or metal bars that are permanently fitted to the wall. Traditionally, fire escape ladders consist of hooks to anchor the ladder on the wall underneath a window, with the ladders themselves being made of rope, chain or metal wire connected to the hooks. This distinguishes them from fire escapes, which is the term typically applied to the escape routes installed when a building or extension is constructed from new. Fixed ladders with and without cage and security door are also available- contact us for details.Fire escape ladders are portable or retrospectively fitted fire escape devices. Available in stock standard lengths and custom lengths for special situations. Caged ladders for lengths over 20įeet to be OSHA compliant.Also can be equipped with Fixed Escape Fall Restraint Systems.

When from the bottom, it provides lockable access When from the top, it provides safe egress from roof, window The ladder can be released from top or bottom (you select). Inside the patented side rails of the ladder to provide trouble-free Counter-balanced lead weights are concealed Counter Balanced Fire Escape Ladder Custom Drop-Down Ladders - Released from Top or Bottom & Lockable!Ĭounter Balanced Fixed-Escape™ by JOMY ladders are all aluminumĬonstruction and have nylon bushings and stainless steel cablesĪnd fasteners to provide a life-time of rust-free and maintenanceįree service.

Permanent fire escape ladder