Evacuation arrangements
Safe evacuation from the building and event area must be possible in a case of fire a or some other emergency. The evacuation routes (=emergency exits) must be kept passable and unobstructed and otherwise in such condition that they can be used safely and effectively. At least two separate, purposefully placed emergency exits should lead away from the building or the event area. Usually, the maximum length of a route leading to the emergency exit is 45 metres.
The exit arrangements for an assembly room are defined in the building permit. In outdoor events, the total width of the exit routes in a closed or fenced area is generally calculated in accordance with section 34 of the Decree of the Ministry of the Environment on Fire safety of Buildings (848/2017). The width of the escape route must be at least 1 200 mm. When the number of persons exceeds 120, the total minimum width of the escape route shall be calculated by adding 400 mm to 1 200 mm for each additional 60 persons. The table below gives examples of the total minimum width of escape routes depending on the number of people at the same time.
|
NUMBER OF PEOPLE
|
THE COMBINED
WIDTH OF THE
EMERGENCY EXITS (mm)
|
|
≤ 60
|
1,200 + 900
|
|
120
|
1,200 + 1,200
|
|
300
|
1,200 + 1,200
|
|
360
|
2,800
|
|
420
|
3,200
|
|
480
|
3,600
|
|
540
|
4,000
|
|
600
|
4,400
|
|
1,000
|
7,200
|
|
2,000
|
14,000
|
|
5,000
|
34,000
|
|
10,000
|
67,200
|
Exit routes in the event area must be marked with exit signs. As a general rule, exit signs must be lighted. In addition, exit signs must be clear. Signs must be detectable and their meaning must be easily identifiable and comprehensible. If necessary, signs must be added if for example temporary structures or interiors impair the visibility of the signs. The appearance and general characteristics of exit signs must comply with the Government Decree on Workplace Safety Signs and their minimum requirements (687/2015). The exit sign must be at least 100 mm high and wide. For example, in outdoor events the sufficient sign size is determined in accordance with standard SFS-EN 1838 on the basis of viewing distance. (the Ministry of the Interior Decree on marking and lighting of exit routes of buildings 805/2005 4 § and SFS-EN 1838 Lighting applications / Emergency lighting 5.5.)
Further information
Decree of the Ministry of the Environment on the Fire safety of Buildings 848/2017 Chapter 6
Decree by the Ministry of the Interior on the marking and lighting of evacuation routes of buildings 805/2005.
Government Decree on safety labelling and minimum labelling standards at workplaces 687/2015
SFS-EN 1838
