Access and exits

Most of the time when we think about access it is to do with getting into a venue and how you can access the service inside, but what about how you exit a building? 

Norwich Access Group, a small group of disabled people campaigning for better access to Norwich and the surrounding area started looking into this after passing a recently built supermarket with a step at the fire exit.  Another visit to the store revealed even more concerns, a further fire exit at the rear of the building with a rescue platform and two steps, when a platform and ramp could so easily have been put in.

Have you ever noticed this in any of the supermarkets or buildings that you have been to?

When Norwich Access Group looked into this they found out that it was not against building regulations to have a rescue platform and steps, even where it is possible, at ground floor level, to have a ramp.

There will be a government review of the building regulations taking place at the end of the year with Andrew Stunell  MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State leading the talks.

If, like the members of Norwich Access Group, you are incensed by exit/egress being omitted from the Part M Building Regulations, please support their campaign to get this included.