ASR A2.3: Rethinking escape routes
Expert opinion on escape routes in workplaces - influence of route width, stairs, doors and obstructions on evacuation
The workplace regulation ASR A2.3 specifies the dimensions of escape routes and is currently being updated by the Committee for Workplaces (ASTA). As part of this revision, accu:rate GmbH and IST GmbH prepared an expert report: Two independent microscopic simulation models were used to investigate the extent to which constrictions and stairs on escape routes, as well as staggered use of escape routes, influence escape time.
Inspection of the workplace directive ASR A2.3
To ensure the safety and health of workers in the design and operation of workplaces, the employer must take steps to ensure that workers can get to safety and be rescued quickly in the event of danger. A key factor here is the design of escape routes and emergency exits. In Germany, the number, arrangement and dimensions of escape routes and emergency exits are regulated by the Technical Regulation for Workplaces ASR A2.3, published by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. Some of the requirements contained therein are derived from earlier directives. The Committee for Workplaces (ASTA) is therefore reviewing and updating ASR A2.3.
Purpose of the report
To ensure the safety and health of workers in the design and operation of workplaces, the employer must take steps to ensure that workers can get to safety and be rescued quickly in the event of danger. A key factor here is the design of escape routes and emergency exits. In Germany, the number, arrangement and dimensions of escape routes and emergency exits are regulated by the Technical Regulation for Workplaces ASR A2.3, published by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. Some of the requirements contained therein are derived from earlier directives. The Committee for Workplaces (ASTA) is therefore reviewing and updating ASR A2.3.
Results
The results show that short obstructions on horizontal paths have little effect on evacuation time. However, longer obstructions, such as those caused by office furniture, have a significant impact on evacuation times.
Vertical escape elements (stairs) also have a significant impact on evacuation times because they reduce the flow. Obstructions such as doors in front of stairs are therefore negligible as long as they are within the acceptable range.
A time-delayed alarm was also found to have a positive effect on the evacuation of the affected floors. Further research is needed to define the required width of the escape route and to relate it to the number of people per level. Finally, this report confirms the largely linear relationship between the number of people and the width of the escape route. However, this is not yet reflected in ASR A2.3 point 5 para. 3. Here there is a jump from an escape route width of 1.00 m for up to 20 persons to an escape route width of 1.20 m for up to 200 persons.
School building serves as reference project
The results of the study will serve as an important basis for decision-making by the project group on escape routes of the Committee for Workplaces (ASTA) for the update of ASR A2.3.