Egress not to be blocked—D2D15(1)

D2D15(1) requires that an exit must not be blocked at the point of discharge.

Barriers (such as bollards) must be installed, if they are necessary to prevent vehicles blocking access to, or discharge from, an exit.

Link between open space and a road—D2D15(2) and (3)

If an exit discharges to an open space, D2D15(2) and (3) require that a safe means of travel be provided from the open space to a road. This means that the following criteria must be satisfied:

• D2D15(2)—to maximise the safety of people moving towards a road during an evacuation, the width of the path of travel from the open space to the road must be at least that required for the exit (and in no case less than one metre).
• D2D15(3)—to minimise the risk from falling or tripping, any stairways or ramps must comply with the rest of the BCA (e.g. construction of treads, landings etc). This may include the provision of ramps suitable for people with disabilities.

The link between the road and open space must be open to the sky for its length.

Discharge points to be well separated—D2D15(4)

D2D15(4) requires that the discharge points of alternative exits be as far apart as possible, so that if the discharge from one of them is blocked, the other will still operate satisfactorily.

Open spectator stand—D2D15(5)

D2D15(5) requires that exits from an open spectator stand not discharge to the ground in front of the stand. There may be a large number of people viewing the event from the front of the stand, and they may obstruct the path of those evacuating.

There is also a risk that the front of the stand could be subject to severe heat radiation. Also the only egress to the road from the ground in front of the stand may be through the stand.

Auditorium—D2D15(6)

Under D2D15(6), only two thirds of the required width of exits from an auditorium, such as a theatre or hall, are to discharge into an entrance foyer where the auditorium can accommodate more than 500 people. This restriction applies because there may be a large number of people in the foyer, possibly waiting for the next show, or to gain access to another auditorium. These people would obstruct the path of the people evacuating.