Topic
Means of escape
Travel distances, escape stairs, second staircases and evacuation plans: the Approved Document B rules on getting people out of a building, and the plans that make them work in practice.
6 guides
18:09Case study · 1987 · TransportThe King's Cross fire 1987 explained: the trench effect, the flashover and the Fennell investigation
How a lit match under a wooden escalator became the flashover that killed 31 people at King's Cross in 1987, why the trench effect drove it into the ticket hall, and what the Fennell investigation changed.
31 deaths, including 1 firefighter
- 3 min readINFIRISK guideWritten guide
Residential PEEPs explained: evacuation plans for residents of blocks of flats
Which buildings the Residential PEEPs regulations cover, who counts as a relevant resident, the five steps, what goes to the fire service, and the building evacuation plan.
5:25Video and guideSecond staircases in blocks of flats: the 18m rule in Approved Document B (2026)
The 2026 amendment to Approved Document B: when a second common stair is needed, how 18 metres is measured, the transitional arrangements, and evacuation lifts.
5:02Video and guideTravel distances in Approved Document B (Table 2.1) explained
How far is too far to escape a fire? The Table 2.1 limits for buildings other than dwellings, how they are measured, and how dead ends are checked.
5:46Video and guideLoft conversions and fire safety: escape routes, fire doors and alarms
Why a loft room changes the fire safety rules for the whole house, and what Approved Document B asks for: protected stairway, doors, windows and alarms.
7:08Video and guideEscape stairs in Approved Document B Volume 2, Section 3, explained
When one stair is enough, how wide stairs must be, how phased evacuation changes the sums, and how stairs and refuges are protected.
