In which buildings is a fire escape mandatory?

Being able to leave a building safely during a fire depends on a properly designed escape stair. So in which buildings is a fire escape mandatory? The answer is largely determined by the building's height and the number of occupants per floor. The Regulation on Fire Protection of Buildings (Official Gazette: 19.12.2007, no. 26735) defines these requirements.

Requirement by building height

The regulation ties the need for an escape stair mainly to building height:

• In buildings under 21.5 metres, a separate fire escape is generally not required.
• Buildings between 21.5 and 30.5 metres must have at least one escape stair.
• Buildings between 30.5 and 51 metres require two escape stairs.

The requirement is not limited to height; the maximum number of occupants on a floor and the distance occupants must travel from the farthest point to the stair are also taken into account. That is why the assessment is made separately for each building.

What is a protected stair?

A protected (fire-protected) stair is an escape stair enclosed with fire-resistant material or arranged so as not to be affected by fire. The aim is to keep the stairwell protected from smoke and flame while evacuation continues. A protected stair becomes important in tall buildings.

Width and basic rules

• No escape stair or escape route may be narrower than 80 cm.
• In tall buildings the escape route and stair width may not be less than 120 cm.
• The escape route must be continuous, supported by fire doors, railings and signage.

As much as the stair itself, the route leading to it must be signed and clear. Floor markings on the ground and emergency exit signs on the walls make the escape route visible.

An escape stair is part of a whole

A good evacuation solution is not just the stair: fire door, panic bar, railing and signage work together. Tactile surface strips for the visually impaired also complement an accessible exit.

To assess your building's fire escape need and the suitability of the existing stair, you can use our fire escape service and request an on-site survey. Note: because height thresholds and number requirements can vary by project, the final assessment is made on site.