Safety Alert - Means of Escape
Posted on Thursday 29 May 2025

Means of escape include the corridors, doors and fire doors, staircases and external escape stairs, the final fire exit doors, and also include the safety and directional signage and emergency lighting that building occupants need to use or follow to lead them to a place of safety outside the building.
Fire escape routes need to be kept clear not just for use by the normal building occupants but also for all visitors, contractors, Campus Safety and the Emergency Services who may have to access the building outside of normal working hours.
You must ensure that Means of Escape remain clear and unobstructed from work equipment, rubbish and storage. If there are any defects to doors, signage or lighting you must report them to the Estates help desk for repair as soon as possible. Don’t assume someone else has already!
If you are planning work activities, refurbishment of rooms or installing new furniture or equipment you must ensure that the work activities or new equipment do not obstruct, damage or alter the means of escape.
You can review the Generic Emergency Evacuation Plans for your building and If you need advice or further guidance please contact the Fire Team.
Examples of blocked Means of Escape include the following:


