Building regs around a trapdoor

[benwwatson]

Hey, I've come across a 2 bed upstairs flat where there is a concealed trapdoor in the kitchen. This trapdoor then leads to an exit Stairwell leading to the rear exit of the property.

Whilst in theory its a good way to conceal the Stairwell do I needed to worry about it breaching control regs or it being an obstacle on a fire exit route. I would be the landlord to tenants in this property should I buy it.

I cant find anything doing basic searches on the regs themselves.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Will the trap door be open/used or kept locked shut?

 

[blup]

You probably need to close it off

 

[endecotp]

Does the building meet regulations for fire exit routes, ignoring this trapdoor route?

 

[benwwatson]

Will the trap door be open/used or kept locked shut?

It has a locking mechanism to keep it locked open but is likely to be closed unless they want in the back garden. garden can be access via front door too

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Unless it's required for fire escape I would have locked it shut with no access for the tenants. When it's open how are people protected from falling down the hole and how do you climb down the (stairs presumably) without a handrail at the top, or is there some clever handrail that springs up with the hatch?

 

[benwwatson]

Thanks for this, its a weird on. Its almost as if the previous owner has removed the old walls and literally put an openable floor over the old stairs well. Original stairs and hand rail are there. but like you say its too much of a risk. All other doors exit on to a central exit route so I think close it off

 

[endecotp]

So you're confident that the main stairs are an adequate, compliant, escape route?

 

[benwwatson]

That im certain about.