You must ensure that sufficient escape routes are provided.
You should ensure that your exits and escape routes, whether outdoors or indoors, are:
- Suitable;
- Easily, safely and immediately useable at all relevant times;
- Adequate for the number of people likely to use them and allowing for increased capacity should any other routes or exits be rendered unusable by fire;
- Free from obstructions, slip or trip hazards (consider adverse weather conditions);
- Sited away from marquees to avoid trip hazards from guy ropes and stakes; and
- Clearly indicated, particularly exits such as tent flaps.
Gates and doors on final exits and all gates or doors leading to such exits should be unlocked and, where security devices are provided, they must be capable of being immediately and easily opened without the use of a key.
- Gates and doors should open outwards in the direction of escape.
- Sufficient lighting must be available to provide safe egress after dark.
Where possible, a dedicated ‘blue light’ route should be provided for attending emergency responders. If you cannot provide dedicated emergency access routes, you must manage your escape routes to ensure people evacuating are not endangered by responding emergency vehicles.