Dear Reader,

As I sat down to write this morning’s bulletin, I heard Simple Minds’ Don’t You Forget About Me on the radio – the iconic song from the ‘80s film The Breakfast Club. I had been battling to pick the stand-out question from this week (there were so many good ones to choose from), and this song served as my inspiration!

We had a query regarding the correct minimum width for escape ways, and our consultant had an in-depth answer for your fellow reader…

What is the minimum width for escape ways?

Question

Is there a minimum width for escape ways?
If there's a chute for parcel handling next to the stairs of the escape way can the chute be barricaded off with railings and a door to prevent people from falling down the chute?  
What is the maximum distance an office can be from an escape way?   
What happens if a 2nd floor office only has one exit?

Answer

1. All of the information below is in terms of the National Building Regulations SANS 0400-1990.

The minimum width for escape ways is (as per SABS 0400-1990):

For maximum no. of people Minimum width (mm)

When more than 190 additional escape route must be provided 

2.  Yes the chute must be barricaded so that a person cannot fall down under emergency conditions, e.g. when the building is filled with smoke.

3.  45m

4.  Where there are fewer than 25 people on the upper floor there doesn't have to be a second exit.

That song has made me so nostalgic, I’ll be off to the video store this evening to hire some classics from the decade of perms and shoulder pads!

Stay safe,

Nadia Smith-Pisanti
Managing Editor, Health & Safety Advisor

PS: We're launching our maiden health and safety seminar!

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• An easy-to-follow format, with step-by-step instructions to ensure there’s no room for misunderstanding.
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