This article highlights a selection of points regarding compliance with B1 of the Building Regulations (BB 100, Department for Education, Crown Copyright 2021). Please review the entire document for all sections and conduct your own research.

What does the Building Bulletin 100 (BB 100) Cover?

The guidance covers life safety (compliance with the Building Regulations), school-specific fire risks, property protection and fire safety management (p6). 

>>Download The Full Version Of The Building Bulletin 100 (BB 100)<< 

Compliance with B1 of the Building Regulations: Means of Warning And Escape

BB 100 states that B1 of the Building Regulations will be met if:

• "Early warning of fire is given to people using the building", e.g., Fire detection and alarm systems (p12, Performance, Requirement B1: Means of warning and escape).
• “All schools should be provided with a suitable electrically operated fire warning system in accordance with BS 5839-1" (p12, Section 2: Fire detection and alarm systems).
• “Deaf or hard of hearing people may not be aware that an alarm has been sounded if they are not with other people.  Flashing beacons are required in toilets and any other areas identified as places where people may be on their own." (p14, Section 2: Fire detection and alarm systems, Warnings for deaf or hard of hearing people).
• "Escape routes are sufficient in number, of adequate capacity and are suitably located where necessary; the routes are sufficiently protected from the effects of fire" (p12, Performance, Requirement B1: Means of warning and escape).
• “In an emergency such as a fire, all the occupants should be able to reach a place of safety without delay. Enough exit routes and doors are needed to allow everyone to get to the final exit and then away from the building." (p15, Section 3: Means of escape).
• "The corridor, staircase and exit width sizes given in this document are based on simultaneous evacuation, where all occupants leave the building on sounding of the fire alarm. They are the minimum requirements for means of escape purposes. However, doors, corridors and stairs may need to be wider to facilitate pupil movement between lessons and at break times.” (p15, Section 3: Means of escape).
• "Escape routes are adequately lit, and exits are suitably signposted" (p12, Performance, Requirement B1: Means of warning and escape).
• "There are appropriate provisions to either limit the ingress of smoke to escape routes or to restrict the spread of fire and remove smoke" (p12, Performance, Requirement B1: Means of warning and escape).
• "All people can escape to a safe place without external assistance" (p12, Performance, Requirement B1: Means of warning and escape). 

“All people” includes wheelchair users and those with limited mobility, who will require ramped access from external fire exit doors to safely evacuate a building.

Avoid wooden ramps as these will burn if exposed to fire. Instead, choose a fire-resistant material such as steel, that will not typically burn and melt at temperatures typically encountered in building fires.

Our own ramp system is made from fire-resistant steel, which is galvanised. This is a process where a protective coating of zinc is applied to prevent rusting. Also, all components are powder-coated to create a durable finish that is tougher than conventional paint. >>Learn More About The Rapid Ramp System<<

Fire escape steps are often essential too. Our modular steps can be installed quickly (typically within a few hours) and, like our ramps, are manufactured from fire-resistant steel  >>Learn More About The Step System<<

Quick Quote For Ramps or Steps

Request a quick quote or email [email protected] with the full project address, drawings, photos and contact details.

 Please review the full documents for all sections. 

Source:

Crown, 2021, Building Bulletin 100: Fire Safety Design for Schools (https://consult.education.gov.uk/technical-standards/building-bulletin-100/supporting_documents/BB100%20Fire%20Safety%20Design%20for%20Schools%20%20consultation%20draft.pdf)