Can a security grille go across a fire exit?

What does the law require?

Fire safety law in each UK nation requires the person in control of non-domestic premises to keep escape routes and exits available and easy to open while people are present: the responsible person in England and Wales, the duty holder in Scotland and the appropriate person in Northern Ireland.

How is a grille managed on an exit?

• Unlock and park the grille open before anyone enters the building
• Lock it only as the last person leaves
• Use escape hardware where a gate must stay closed but allow exit
• Record the arrangement in the fire risk assessment
• Train staff who open and close the building

What about grilles across corridors?

The same principle applies to internal grilles across escape corridors: open whenever the building is occupied.

Can you advise on our fire risk assessment?

We can explain how a grille works and how it can be managed, but the fire risk assessment is the responsibility of the person in control of the premises and their competent assessor.

Sources

• Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Fire safety in the workplace (GOV.UK)
• Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 (legislation.gov.uk)

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland; check with your council, building control or insurer where it matters.

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