Section 13: Vehicle access

Provision and design of access routes and hardstandings

13.1 For dwellinghouses, access for a pumping appliance should be provided to within 45m of all points inside the dwellinghouse.

13.2 For flats, either of the following provisions should be made.

a. Provide access for a pumping appliance to within 45m of all points inside each flat of a block, measured along the route of the hose.

b. Provide fire mains in accordance with paragraphs 13.5 and 13.6.

13.3 Access routes and hardstandings should comply with the guidance in Table 13.1.

13.4 Dead-end access routes longer than 20m require turning facilities, as in Diagram 13.1. Turning facilities should comply with the guidance in Table 13.1.

Diagram 13.1 Turning facilities

Table 13.1 Typical fire and rescue service vehicle access route specification

Blocks of flats fitted with fire mains

13.5 For buildings fitted with dry fire mains, both of the following apply.

a. Access should be provided for a pumping appliance to within 18m of each fire main inlet connection point. Inlets should be on the face of the building.

b. The fire main inlet connection point should be visible from the parking position of the appliance, and satisfy paragraph 14.10.

13.6 For buildings fitted with wet fire mains, access for a pumping appliance should comply with both of the following.

a. Within 18m, and within sight, of an entrance giving access to the fire main.

b. Within sight of the inlet to replenish the suction tank for the fire main in an emergency.