Fire escape ladders are portable or retrospectively fitted fire escape devices. 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. 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. Some escape ladders, however, are clipped onto eye bolts or metal bars that are permanently fitted to the wall. 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.
Fire escape ladders are fitted where there is the chance that an existing escape route (e.g. a staircase) can become blocked by fire, with no alternative means of escaping. While all modern buildings have fire escape windows (i.e. 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. 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.
In commercial premises, fire escape ladders can address the problem of insufficient provision of fire escapes identified through the fire risk assessment. 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. 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. Fire escape ladders are usually not permitted as an alternative escape route in new buildings.
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.
When in doubt, advice should be sought either from the local authority (e.g. in the case of HMOs) or the fire risk assessor.
New buildings must observe the Building Regulations, which define the number and design of escape routes required. Businesses, landlords and home owners are of course free to add fire escape ladders in addition to the requirements of the Building Regulations.
For existing business premises, the various fire risk assessment guidelines for different industries offer general guidance on escape routes. 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.
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.
If in doubt, we always recommend that you consult the relevant authorities first before purchasing fire escape ladders.
One of the safest fire escape ladders and the ladder most suitable for installation in business premises is the Saffold fold-out fire escape ladder. The ladder, when not deployed, is drainpipe sized and bolted on the outside wall. In an emergency, a pin is drawn at the top and the ladder opened up. The ladder is exceptionally strong and virtually impossible to overload. It is guaranteed for 15 years and is easy to fit. If required, harnesses can be supplied that slide down with the user but stop any fall. The ladders are available in any colour and are the escape ladder of choice for any historic building.
The Saffold ladders are supplied with a self-adhesive, glow-in-the-dark instruction sign.
The ladder is perfect for both business and domestic use.
The following questions have to be considered when choosing a fire escape ladder:
If children are to use the fire escape ladder, special consideration must be taken. Those aged 10 and over should be able to deploy the fire escape ladders sold by Safelincs. Please note, however, that the 25-ft Easyscape and the Rollo ladders are quite heavy and have to be lifted in one movement.
Younger children (over 5 years or so), while not being able to deploy the ladders themselves, can climb down them with an adult leading the way, so that the latter can guide the feet of the child if necessary.
Children below 5 should be carried by a parent. Special front sling carriers are available.
For larger numbers of children, descenders with a transport bag should be considered.
N.B. All the above ages are approximate and can only be decided upon by the parents or guardians of the children!
When testing your fire escape ladder, always climb UP the ladder rather than climbing down! It is a lot less dangerous to discover a fault with your installation when you are one rung off the ground!
If you are escaping with children, always let the person most familiar to them climb out first. This will give the children more confidence.
If you use a fire escape ladder with a hook attachment, practice the placing of the hooks on a regular basis. This will save you valuable time in an emergency.
Make sure that the ladders are not misused. Explain to everybody concerned that the ladders are life-savers and not toys.
If you are unsure about your fire escape ladder requirements, please contact Safelincs with any pictures of your building, etc. We will happily advise you.