Erster und zweiter Rettungsweg in Wohngebäuden

First and second escape ways in residential buildings

The existence of two redundant escape ways is a fundamental concept to ensure a safe egress of occupants in the event of fire. Fire safety requirements for means of egress are defined by the state specific building codes in Germany. This publication focuses on a further clarification of existing requirements and amongst others explains why some means of egress, such as permanent installed ladders are not suitable for this purpose. However, in contrast to this fire service equipment can also provide the second escape way in particularly for residential buildings. Different means are used depending on the applied strategy and infrastructure of the fire service.
A summary of reported fire incidents of the Berlin fire service in the years 2012 and 2013 shows that smoke filled stairwells were also used to evacuate trapped occupants. In order to protect these occupants from smoke intoxication, escape hoods or positive pressure ventilation fans, to allow for a smoke free stairwell, have been used.