Are we fully considering the needs of persons of limited ability in relation to emergency egress from buildings?
Lee Wilson has recently updated his guidebook (July 2016) entitled “Evacuation of People with Disability & emergent Limitations: Considerations for Safer Buildings & Efficient Evacuations, edition 2.0”.
The revised guide provides expert knowledge and understanding of the issues surrounding accessible emergency evacuation from buildings. It also provides an insight into the gaps existing in the legislation of many countries and identifies the need for better consideration for people with limited ability. The guidebook identifies real life situations highlighting deficiencies in the provision of safe escape routes from buildings and asks the question ‘who is responsible?’.
Evacuation procedures and techniques are discussed in depth including analysis in relation to their effectiveness. The ability to provide and the impact of enhanced safe egress measures, for a building occupants with disabilities, at design stage identifies the key role the designers of our built environment hold. The principles of universal design and how it impacts safe egress for all is emphasised as is the need for fire safety engineers and disability access consultants to work closer together. In addition, the guidebook provided helpful templated information sheets to help building managers/owners implement suitable egress strategies for their buildings.
Alternatively, if you would like to learn more about making buildings accessible or safe egress in emergency situations, please do not hesitate to contact one of our team on 01-4151285 or email [email protected]
