When it comes to fire safety, most people think of escape routes in terms of clear walkways wide enough to let people pass through quickly. While width is important, it’s only one part of a much bigger picture. In reality, a compliant and effective escape route depends on accessibility, visibility, obstructions, lighting, signage, and more.
In this article, we’ll explain why the true effectiveness of a fire escape route isn’t just about how wide it is, and what property managers, landlords, and employers need to consider to keep routes safe, legal, and usable in an emergency.
1. Width Is Just the Starting Point
UK fire safety guidance, including Approved Document B and BS 9999, does specify minimum widths for escape routes based on occupancy, building use, and layout. For example:
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Minimum 750mm for up to 60 people
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Minimum 1050mm for more than 60 people
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Wider widths may be required in healthcare, education, or assembly buildings
However, compliance with width alone doesn’t guarantee safety. Escape routes that are technically wide enough on paper may still be dangerous in practice if other hazards are present.
2. Clutter and Obstructions Reduce Usable Width
One of the most common issues in workplaces, flats, and commercial buildings is the gradual buildup of stored items in escape corridors; think bins, bikes, trolleys, deliveries, or filing cabinets.
Even temporary obstructions:
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Reduce the effective escape width
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Create trip hazards in low visibility or smoke
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Delay evacuation, especially for vulnerable occupants
A clear route means clear at all times, not just when someone remembers to move a box.
3. Poor Lighting and Signage Causes Confusion
In an emergency, people often panic. If the escape route isn’t clearly lit or well signed, they may hesitate or even head in the wrong direction.
Escape routes should have:
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Emergency lighting in case of power failure
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Photoluminescent or backlit signage
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Consistent direction indicators (i.e. arrows pointing towards the exit)
The wider the space, the more signage may be needed to prevent people from becoming disoriented, particularly in large or open-plan layouts.
4. Doors and Hardware Can Create Bottlenecks
You might have a corridor that’s 1200mm wide, but if the final exit door is narrow, stiff, or locked, it becomes a choke point.
Critical checks include:
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Door leaf width should match or exceed the route width
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Fire exit doors must open in the direction of escape
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Push bars or panic bolts should be installed where necessary
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Doors should never be locked or chained during occupancy
Escape is a sequence, and a narrow or obstructed door at the end renders the rest of the route irrelevant.
5. Escape Routes Must Suit All Users
Under the Equality Act 2010, escape provisions must take into account people with disabilities or reduced mobility. This might include:
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Refuge areas for those unable to use stairs
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Evacuation chairs
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Handrails and non-slip surfaces
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Wider turning space for wheelchair users
A route that’s “wide enough” for the general population may still be inaccessible for those with specific needs unless adapted properly.
6. External Escape Routes Need Attention Too
If your escape route leads outdoors, such as a rear alley or external staircase, you must ensure:
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Paths are clear and free of debris
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Gates are unlocked and easy to open
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Surfaces are slip-resistant and well maintained
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Lighting is present for use after dark
It’s not uncommon for external escape routes to be neglected, overgrown, or used for storage, compromising the final stage of evacuation.
7. Behavioural Factors Matter in Real Emergencies
Evacuation rarely goes exactly to plan. People don’t move in single file. Some may stop to collect belongings. Others may freeze or become confused. All of this slows the process.
This is why escape routes must be well-planned, generously sized, and regularly rehearsed through fire drills. Real-world use is messier than the building plan.
A Safe Escape Route Is About More Than Measurements
While compliance with minimum width requirements is essential, a truly safe and effective escape route must also be:
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Unobstructed
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Well-lit
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Clearly signed
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Appropriate for all users
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Linked to functional exits
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Inspected and maintained regularly
Fire safety is not just a matter of design; it’s about real-world usability under stress. Make sure your escape routes work in practice, not just on paper.
For expert advice on fire protection and prevention measures, contact Martyn Young Fireproofing Consultancy on 07585 896648