Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007

Emergency routes and exits.

12

12. Without predjudice to section 11 of the Act, the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 (No. 30 of 1981 and No.15 of 2003) and other relevant legislation, an employer shall ensure that—

(a) emergency routes to emergency exits and the exits themselves are kept clear at all times and lead as directly as possible to the open air or to a safe area,

(b) in the event of danger, it is possible for employees to evacuate all workstations quickly and as safely as possible,

(c) the number, distribution and dimensions of the emergency routes and exits are adequate for the use, equipment and dimensions of the place of work and the maximum number of persons that may be present,

(d) emergency exit doors open outwards,

(e) any sliding or revolving doors that are fitted are not used, or intended to be used, as emergency exits,

(f) emergency doors and gates are not so locked or fastened that they cannot be easily and immediately opened by any person who may need to use them in an emergency,

(g) specific emergency routes and exits are indicated by signs in accordance with Part 7 Chapter 1 and such signs are placed at appropriate points and are adequately durable,

(h) emergency routes and exits, and the traffic routes and doors giving access to them are free from obstruction so that they can be used at any time without hindrance, and

(i) emergency routes and exits requiring illumination are provided with emergency lighting of adequate intensity in case the lighting fails.