Definition
Means of Escape
Means of escape are the designated routes — corridors, stairways, emergency exits, and final exit doors — by which building occupants can evacuate safely in a fire without obstruction. Adequate means of escape must be provided in all non-domestic premises under Approved Document B and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and must be identified and assessed in the fire risk assessment.
Terms mentioned in this definition
Relevant UK Standards & Legislation
- Approved Document BSpecifies travel distances, minimum widths, number of escape routes, and stair requirements by occupancy type
- BS 9999:2017Provides detailed design guidance on escape routes — an alternative compliance route to Approved Document B
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005Requires emergency routes and exits to be kept clear and adequately signposted
Related Terms
- Fire WardenGeneral Fire SafetyA fire warden (also called a fire marshal) is a designated person trained to assist with fire safety procedures in a workplace — including conducting evacuation drills, checking escape routes are clear, accounting for occupants at the assembly point, and supporting the responsible person in maintaining fire safety day-to-day. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the responsible person to appoint a sufficient number of competent, trained fire wardens.View definition
- Assembly PointGeneral Fire SafetyAn assembly point is a pre-designated location outside a building where occupants gather following an evacuation, enabling the fire warden to account for all staff, contractors, and visitors before the fire and rescue service arrives. Assembly points must be clearly signposted, identified in the fire emergency plan, and positioned away from the building and clear of vehicle access routes.View definition
- Fire Risk AssessmentFire Risk AssessmentA fire risk assessment is a systematic examination of a premises to identify fire hazards, evaluate the risk to people, and implement or recommend appropriate fire safety measures. All non-domestic premises must have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, carried out by a competent person and reviewed regularly — or whenever significant changes occur.View definition
- Emergency LightingEmergency LightingEmergency lighting is a lighting system that activates automatically on failure of the normal mains supply, providing sufficient illumination to enable safe evacuation of a building. UK law requires emergency lighting in all non-domestic premises, and it must be designed, installed, commissioned, and maintained in accordance with BS 5266-1 by a competent person.View definition
- Approved Document BFire Regulations & StandardsApproved Document B is the UK Building Regulations guidance document covering fire safety in the design and construction of new buildings and major extensions. It sets requirements for means of escape, internal fire spread, compartmentation, external fire spread, and access for the fire and rescue service, and references British Standards — including BS 5839 and BS 5266 — for specific technical requirements.View definition
Frequently Asked Questions
Means of escape are the designated routes — corridors, stairways, emergency exits, and final exit doors — by which building occupants can evacuate safely in a fire without obstruction. Adequate means of escape must be provided in all non-domestic premises under Approved Document B and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and must be identified and assessed in the fire risk assessment.
Requirements for means of escape in the UK depend on the type of premises and applicable legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and relevant British Standards. The responsible person for a premises must ensure adequate fire safety provisions are in place. The British Fire Consortium can provide guidance — contact our team or search our member directory to find a qualified specialist.
Means of Escape and Fire Warden are related fire safety concepts but serve different purposes. See our individual glossary entries for detailed definitions. For expert guidance on which applies to your premises, consult a BFC member company.
The British Fire Consortium offers EAL Level 3 accredited training covering fire safety systems including topics related to means of escape. Our courses are the only nationally recognised Level 3 qualifications across all fire disciplines. View our training courses or use the member directory to find a qualified trainer near you.