The DRC seems to approve of this development. It interprets Building
Regulations Approved Document B (England & Wales) thus:

"This covers the construction of new buildings and material alterations to
buildings.

"It states that it may not be necessary to make special structural provision
to facilitate the escape of disabled people and that management should
provide suitable escape plans"

It may seem counter-intuitive, but I think they are saying refuges are 'bad'
because they imply leaving disabled building users in the building (because,
this time the DRC states, refuges are widely misinterpreted as more than the
temporary stopping point for formulating a plan for egress).

I am quoting from and there is more info at:
http://www.drc-gb.org/publicationsandreports/campaigndetails.asp?section=oth
&id=115

Cheers


Iain Hood
Senior Student Adviser, Learning Support
Student Support Services
APU
East Road
Cambridge
CB1 1PT

01223 363271 ex 2316
[log in to unmask]
----- Original Message -----
From: "Quinn, Christine" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, May 26, 2005 1:34 PM
Subject: Re: Fire warden query


I've been told that building regulations do not require fire refuges to
be including in new buildings.  I cannot believe this.  Can anyone
direct me to the relevant bit of legislation or guidance on this?

Off list would be fine, but I expect others might like a reminder too.

Chris

-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Iain Hood
Sent: 26 May 2005 10:57
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Fire warden query


Any chance replies could also be forwarded to the list? I'm also in
discussions with my head librarian about this and I'd be interested to
hear any responses.

Cheers


Iain Hood
Senior Student Adviser, Learning Support
Student Support Services
APU
East Road
Cambridge
CB1 1PT

01223 363271 ex 2316
[log in to unmask]
----- Original Message -----
From: "L Gault, Planning and Administration Support"
<[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2005 12:20 PM
Subject: Fire warden query


> Dear all,
>
> I'm sending this on behalf of our Health and Safety Advisor - Pete
> Curran.
>
> While evaluating our fire evacuation procedures for our disabled users

> (particularly wheelchair users), it has been recommended that we
> consider the use of members of staff acting as fire wardens in our
> libraries to check each floor to ascertain if there are any users
> still in the
building.
> There has however been some concern that members of staff may put
> themselves at risk. Could you please let us know what other
> institutions are doing with
regards
> to fire wardens and evacuation procedures.
>
> Could you please email Pete off list directly with any responses:
> <[log in to unmask]>
>
>
> Many thanks
>
> Lisa
> ----------------------------------------------
> Lisa Gault
> IT Disability Coordinator
> Planning and Administration Support
> University of Bristol
> Tyndall Avenue
> Bristol
> BS8 1TJ
> Tel: 0117 331 6739.  Internal: 16739
> ----------------------------------------------
> [log in to unmask]
>