Secure Your Path: Safety and Structural Considerations for Walkways

Vista Aluminium Decking Board Installed at Royal Arsenal Riverside - Decking by MyDek

When designing walkways, adhering to British Standards is crucial to ensure safety and functionality. Walkways must be engineered to handle potentially heavy loads, which can range from regular pedestrian traffic to emergency evacuations. As such, there is a need for robust deck systems that can sustain these forces and pressures without excessive deflection.

Different types of walkway, public and private, have varying load requirements. Public walkways are designed for higher traffic volumes and heavier loads. 

To help determine the requirements for a particular building, designers should familiarise themselves with the following applicable regulations:

  • Approved Document B: Fire Safety
  • Approved Document K: Protection from Falling, Collision, and Impact
  • Approved Document M: Access to and Use of Buildings
  • BS 5395-1: Stairs, Ladders, and Walkways
  • BS 8300: Design of Buildings and Their Approaches to Meet the Needs of Disabled People
  • The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
  • The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015

Understanding the requirements set out in these standards will help determine the most suitable materials to be used on the project. 

  • Materials and Design: The choice of materials plays a pivotal role in determining the load-bearing capacity. High-quality steel and aluminium should be considered for their strength and durability.
  • Substructure: The underlying framework must be meticulously designed and constructed to distribute loads evenly and prevent structural failure over time.

Fire safety is paramount, especially in areas designated as emergency exits. Building Regulations Document B provides clear guidelines to mitigate fire risks in walkways. 

  • Use of Non-combustible Materials: Decking and substructure materials should be non-combustible to prevent the rapid spread of fire. This choice is vital for walkways that could serve as escape routes.
  • Clear Pathways: Walkways must be kept free from obstructions to ensure a clear and safe path during emergencies. This aligns with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which mandates regular fire assessments.
  • Maintenance: During maintenance, it’s essential to post clear signage indicating restricted access. Maintenance workers must be trained to understand their responsibilities and ensure that all tasks are completed promptly to maintain the walkway’s functionality. 

Preventing slip and fall accidents is critical for ensuring the safety of walkway users. Various strategies can enhance the slip resistance of walkways:

  • Guardrails and Barriers: Installing guardrails provides a necessary physical barrier, while barriers can cordon off hazardous areas during maintenance or adverse weather conditions.
  • Highly Slip-Resistant Decking: Choosing decking materials with high slip resistance ratings is essential. 
  • Regular Inspections: Routine maintenance checks should be conducted to identify and address any potential hazards, such as worn surfaces or loose materials.

An ideal walkway, particularly one used as a fire escape, must meet specific conditions to ensure safety.

  • Layers: There are multiple layers required to make an ideal walkway, especially one that’s used as a fire escape:
    • Fire-Resistance Layer: This layer is crucial for a larger building with longer escape windows. It should be certified to at least REI 30, ensuring that it can withstand fire for a significant period. It should be sealed with intumescent sealant to prevent fire from spreading.
    • Structural Layer: This layer, constructed using aluminium or steel, plays a crucial role in providing a safe escape route. These materials, known for their high melting points, ensure that the walkway remains intact under high temperatures.
    • Water Management Layer: This layer deflects water, ensuring that the insulating materials remain undamaged and the walkway remains safe and functional.
  • Fire Resistance Rating: Materials used as part of the fire resistance layer should have an REI (resistance, integrity, insulation) rating. An ideal rating is chosen to suit the expected evacuation time plus a margin of safety, ensuring that the structure can endure heat for a substantial duration without compromising safety. For example, for a simple structure where it is expected that everyone can evacuate within 10 minutes, a rating of REI 30 may be chosen. The number denotes the number of minutes that the structure is rated to continue to perform its primary function for.

R = resistance to fire. This means that the structure preserves its mechanical characteristics and the relevant load capacity during a normal fire. 

E = integrity. This means that the structure remains stable under an increasing heat load. 

I = insulation. This means that the structure shields the non-exposed side from a rising temperature. 

The REI rating is expressed in minutes, so a product with a rating of REI 30 will last for 30 minutes without exceeding limits.

  • Non-combustible Materials: All materials used on exterior walkways should comply with the reaction to fire requirement. Although similar to the fire resistance rating, this is NOT the same thing. Reaction to fire is rated A1/A2-F, with extra suffixes to denote the smoke-generating and flaming droplet behaviours of the burning material. An acceptable rating for exterior walkways is either A1 or A2,s1-d0. A1-rated materials are inert to fire and do not have any reaction, hence by definition do not need any suffixes. A2,s1-d0 will mean that a small volume of smoke is generated, but there are no burning droplets and no calorific contribution to the fire.

By prioritising these factors, we can create safe, practical walkways that align with regulations and ensure peace of mind for building users and occupiers. Guaranteeing structural integrity, fire safety, and slip resistance will ensure safe and efficient access and evacuation. 

Safety is our priority when developing and suggesting products to clients. We specialise in non-combustible decking systems and ensure that our products undergo rigorous testing during development.

Our mission is to enhance the safety of the apartment community through safe, smart, and sustainable deck systems. We focus on innovation, quality, and regulatory compliance to ensure that this community, including clients and residents, is safe and secure.

For example, our substructures are A1 rated and non-combustible with a 60-year design life, enabling clients to have sturdy and durable support for their decking. Our BoxRail aluminium decking support system ensures fast and accurate decking installation, making it perfectly compatible with decking in walkways, balconies, and terraces.

Our decking boards are ideal for walkways that require durable, fire-resistant materials for high-traffic areas. Our aluminium decking is class A2,s1-d0 fire rated, highly slip resistant, and low maintenance. Luxura® is class A1 rated.

The MyDek team is on hand to help you with any project requirements you may have. You can check out our range here or contact our team; we will be delighted to support you. 

Introducing J-Clips, the Perfect Solution for Protection Against Paving Wind Uplift

Introducing the BoxRail System for Easy Decking Installation