Vol. 572 No. 5
180 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he has satisfied himself that building regulations give sufficient protection for persons in a wheelchair in respect of egress in the event of fire in view of the fact that buildings accommodating such persons are not required to be free of steps at the exit. [23724/03]
Part B, fire safety, of the building regulations requires that a building shall be so designed and constructed that there are adequate means of escape in case of fire from the building to a place of safety outside the building, capable of being safely and effectively used.
My Department's technical guidance document B, or TGD-B, provides advice on compliance with part B. Section B 1 of TGD-B – means of escape in case of fire – provides guidance on appropriate means of emergency egress for people with disabilities.
Part M of the building regulations requires that buildings to which the regulations apply must include adequate means of access for people with disabilities. This is generally secured by provision of a ramp, as an alternative to steps, at the entrance. In the event of a fire or other emergency, exits other than the entrance may also be used.
I am advised that the provisions of the building regulations relating to access and egress of people with disabilities are adequate. However, I have recently published proposals for major amendments to the fire safety provisions of Part B of the regulations and the related TGD-B: for public comment, by 28 November 2003. I would be willing to carefully consider any proposals made for amendments in the emergency egress provisions relating to people with disabilities.
