Design inclusive means of escape — from evacuation lifts and refuges to PEEPs and GEEPs — ensuring fire safety for all building occupants regardless of ability.. The Legal Framework Equality Act 2010 The Equality Act requires reasonable adjustments to ensure disabled persons are not placed at a substantial disadvantage. This extends to emergency evacuation — a building that can be accessed but not evacuated by disabled persons may be non compliant. RRO 2005 Article 14(2)(b) specifically requires that emergency routes and exits lead as directly as possible to a place of safety, taking account of disabled persons who may use them. Types of Mobility Impairment Fire safety design must consider: Wheelchair users — cannot use stairs without assistance or equipment Ambulant disabled — can walk but may have difficulty with stairs (reduced speed, balance issues) Visual impairment — may not see visual alarms or wayfinding signs Hearing impairment — may not hear fire alarms or voice announcements Cognitive impairment — may not understand alarm signals or evacuation procedures Temporary disability — broken limbs, pregnancy, post surgery recovery Evacuation Lifts BS EN 81 76 covers the design of evacuation lifts: Independent power supply (minimum 2 hours) Fire rated lift shaft and lobbies Communication system between lift car and management station Priority override for fire service or management use Capacity for wheelchair user plus attendant Located within protected lobby accessed from common corridor Operation modes: normal, priority, fire service Evacuation lifts are increasingly the preferred solution, especially in tall buildings where carry down via stairs is impractical. Refuges A refuge is a temporary safe place where a disabled person can wait for assistance: Design Requirements (BS 9999) Located within a protected stairway enclosure or lobby Minimum space: 900mm × 1400mm per wheelchair user Two way communication system to management point Clearly signed with the international accessibility symbol Emergency lighting provision Not obstructing the escape route for other occupants Refuge Intercom Systems Type A: Simple communication with management station Type B: Integrated with fire alarm system panel Accessible push button at appropriate height (750 1000mm) Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) A PEEP is an individual plan for a specific person: Contents 1. Person's name, location, and contact details 2. Nature of disability and assistance required 3. Primary and alternative escape routes 4. Equipment needed (evacuation chair, carry sheet, etc.) 5. Number of assistants required 6. Assembly point and accounting procedure 7. Designated assistants and their training 8. Communication methods during evacuation Review Frequency On initial preparation with the individual When the person's condition changes When building layout or fire strategy changes At least annually as standard practice General Emergency Evacuation Plans (GEEPs) GEEPs provide generic guidance for visitors and temporary occupants: Available at reception and key entry points Cover common disability scenarios Identify refuge locations and communication systems Explain how to request assistance Available in accessible formats (large print, Braille, audio) Evacuation Equipment Evacuation Chairs Stair descent device operated by trained person Various types: tracked, wheeled, carry type Storage near stairway head on each floor Regular training for designated operators Annual inspection and maintenance Carry Sheets and Ski Pads For bed bound or heavily dependent persons Used in care homes and hospitals Requires multiple trained operators Practice essential for effective use Our Inclusive Fire Safety Design Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD designs inclusive means of escape as an integral part of every fire strategy. We ensure that fire safety provisions address the needs of all occupants, from evacuation lift specification to PEEP template development and staff training programmes. Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD — UK's Leading Fire Safety & Fire Engineering Consultancy 🌐 magnus opifex.co.uk 📞 +44 7486 691724 ✉️ office@magnus opifex.co.uk Founders: Nicoleta Vasile, Baroness of Brattleby — CEO, Lawyer and Barrister, Legal & Administrative Director Alina — Technical Director & Expert Fire Engineer (BEng) Head Office: Ealing Cross, 85 Uxbridge Road, London W5 5BW Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD delivers engineering led fire engineering, fire risk assessments, CFD modelling, and building safety consultancy across the United Kingdom and internationally. With over 20 years of combined experience and a UK portfolio spanning healthcare, residential and infrastructure, we bring truly engineered solutions with a personal touch. © 2026 Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD. All rights reserved.