Single Staircases

Planning Gateway One - Glossary, published on the Planning Portal, defines a single stair as: ‘A staircase which is the only means of escape and only firefighting access serving a building or a part of a building.’

Having a single staircase in the context of the Building Safety Act can be controversial due to concerns about fire safety and evacuation efficiency. A single staircase means that there is only one route for occupants to exit the building in the event of an emergency, such as a fire.

The controversy surrounding a single staircase in the context of the Building Safety Act reflects broader concerns about fire safety, evacuation efficiency, and the need to prioritise the safety and well-being of building occupants. Designing buildings with multiple evacuation routes and staircases is considered best practice to enhance fire safety and ensure effective evacuation in emergencies.

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