Fire Escape Routes: How Often Should You Check Them?

When it comes to workplace safety, fire escape routes represent one of the most critical elements of your emergency preparedness plan. Whether you're responsible for a commercial building, residential property or industrial facility, understanding the proper maintenance and inspection schedule for your fire escape can mean the difference between safe evacuation and catastrophic consequences.

Understanding Fire Escape Requirements in the UK

A fire escape serves as a designated route that allows building occupants to exit safely during an emergency. Employers have a legal duty under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to maintain clear and accessible emergency exit routes at all times.

Fire escape routes typically include emergency exit stairs, fire doors, corridors and sometimes fire escape ladders for multi-storey buildings. Each component plays a vital role in the overall evacuation strategy, which is why regular checks are mandatory rather than optional.

How Often Should You Check Your Fire Escape Route?

The frequency of fire escape inspections depends on building type, occupancy levels, business size and identified risks from your fire risk assessment. Smaller businesses with simple layouts may require less frequent formal inspections than large, high-traffic facilities.

Daily Visual Checks

Each morning, verify that all exit doors are unlocked and can be opened easily. Walk through exit routes to confirm they remain free from storage items, equipment or any other obstructions that could impede evacuation. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) emphasises that fire exits and escape routes must be kept clearly marked and unobstructed at all times.

Weekly Detailed Inspections

Test your fire alarm system every week using a different manual call point each time. This rotation verifies that the entire system operates correctly and that alarms sound clearly throughout the building. Inspect fire-resisting doors on stairways to confirm that self-closing devices function properly and doors close completely without sticking.

Monthly Comprehensive Reviews

Activate the test switches on all emergency escape lighting units to verify they illuminate correctly during a power failure simulation. If your premises has domestic smoke alarms fitted, test these monthly to confirm operation. Conduct visual inspections of all fire extinguishers, checking for obvious signs of damage, tampering or displacement from their designated locations.

Six-Monthly Professional Services

Arrange for a competent contractor to inspect and test your fire alarm system thoroughly. These professionals should hold certification from an independent body for the work they perform. Schedule inspections of fire doors to verify they remain undamaged, fit properly within their frames and maintain their fire-resistant properties.

Annual Expert Assessments

Commission a competent contractor to inspect and test emergency escape lighting systems comprehensively. Similarly, all fire extinguishers require professional servicing annually to maintain their reliability and extend their operational life.

By following this structured approach to maintenance and testing, you create a systematic safety net that catches problems before they compromise your fire safety provisions.

Common Questions About Fire Escape Maintenance

What Should I Look for During a Fire Escape Inspection?

Clear pathways: All routes must be free from storage, equipment or furniture that could impede evacuation.
Working fire doors: Self-closing mechanisms should function properly and doors must not be wedged open.
Visible signage: Emergency exit signs should be illuminated and clearly visible from all angles.
Functional lighting: Emergency lighting must activate during power failures.
Structural integrity: Fire escape stairs should show no signs of corrosion, damage or instability.
Accessible fire escape ladders: Where installed, emergency ladder systems must be accessible and in good working condition...

Are Fire Escape Ladders Required for All Buildings?

Fire escape ladder requirements vary based on building height, occupancy and existing exit provisions. The Building Regulations 2010 specify when alternative means of escape are necessary. Generally, buildings with adequate internal staircases and multiple exits may not require fire escape ladders, whilst some older properties or specific industrial settings might need them as secondary escape routes. For homes, particularly two-storey or three-storey residences, portable fire escape ladders offer additional safety options.

What Happens If a Fire Escape Is Blocked?

Blocked fire escapes represent a serious violation of fire safety regulations. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 makes clear that responsible persons can face prosecution and unlimited fines if fire escapes are obstructed. More critically, blocked routes can lead to injuries or fatalities during emergency evacuations.

If you discover a blocked fire escape during your inspection, take immediate action to remove the obstruction and investigate why it occurred. Consider implementing additional training or procedural changes to prevent recurrence.

How Do I Know If My Fire Escape Meets Current Standards?

Current standards come from multiple sources, including British Standards (BS 9999), Building Regulations Approved Document B, Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and HSE guidance. A professional fire risk assessment will evaluate your fire escape against these standards and identify any gaps in compliance.

Your assessment should address travel distances to exits, width of escape routes, fire resistance of escape route enclosures and adequacy of emergency lighting. Reference our guide on fire risk assessment step-by-step for more detailed information on this process.

The Cost of Neglecting Fire Escape Maintenance

Failing to maintain fire escape routes carries both financial and human costs. Fire escape inspection costs are minimal compared to the potential consequences of non-compliance. Beyond regulatory fines, inadequate fire escapes can result in:

Insurance policy invalidation.
Business closure orders from fire authorities.
Civil liability claims following incidents.
Reputational damage.
Most importantly, risk to human life.

The Fire Protection Association reports that proper maintenance and regular inspection of fire escape routes significantly reduce evacuation times during actual emergencies.

Creating an Effective Fire Escape Inspection Schedule

Develop a written schedule that assigns responsibilities and documents completion of checks. Include:

Named responsible persons for daily, weekly and monthly checks.
Detailed checklists covering all inspection points.
Recording systems to track when checks occur and what issues arise.
Remedial action protocols for addressing identified problems.
Review mechanisms to assess whether the schedule remains adequate.

Training Your Team on Fire Escape Procedures

Regular inspection of physical infrastructure must complement proper staff training. Team members should understand:

Location of all fire exits and assembly points.
How to recognise when escape routes are compromised.
Procedures for reporting obstructions or damage.
Their role during evacuation.
How to assist visitors or vulnerable individuals during emergencies.

Schedule fire drills at least twice annually and use them as opportunities to test both your fire escape infrastructure and your team's preparedness.

Moving Forward: Making Fire Escape Safety a Priority

Fire escape maintenance shouldn't be treated as a tick-box exercise completed to satisfy regulators. Instead, view it as a fundamental commitment to protecting everyone who enters your building. Regular inspections, proper documentation and swift remedial action create a culture where safety genuinely comes first. Your fire escape system represents a critical lifeline during the most frightening moments people might experience in your building.