Rules on escape routes

This means that access to escape routes, and the escape routes themselves, must be accessible and kept clear both inside and outside the building.

Escape routes are emergency exit areas, stairs, and courtyards designated as such to ensure that evacuation can be carried out safely to open air at ground level.

Together with escape passages through living spaces designed to ensure that evacuees can reach the escape routes, they must ensure that evacuees can leave a building safely.

Emergency exit areas should therefore not be used for any purposes other than traffic.

The use of emergency exit areas for purposes other than traffic is considered acceptable, provided always that the following 7 instructions are complied with and unless otherwise stated in the fire strategy report, the functional description, or the planning permission for the building in question:

1. Any such use must not significantly increase the fire load or fire risk. For example, containers, waste containers, stocks, and supplies of e.g. paper and cardboard must be deemed to lead to an increased fire load.
2. Furniture made of non-flammable materials or highly flammable materials.
3. Hand sanitizer dispensers may be installed in these areas if hand sanitization is required for important health reasons, and provided that the dispensers cannot be installed elsewhere.
4. Bulletin boards and works of art on the walls are acceptable to a limited extent and provided that a maximum of 20% of the wall area is covered, and that such bulletin boards and works of art are evenly spaced.
5. The installation of electrical or electronic equipment that may give rise to fire risk, including charging devices, is not permitted. Light fixtures and small information screens are acceptable.
6. The function of the emergency exit area as an escape route must not be compromised.
7. Any movable furniture etc. must be positioned away from the actual line of walking.

Please also refer to the DTU building regulations on fire safety, which are displayed on the red emergency information boards.