Rules & Regulations

The number, capacity and distribution of exits must be sufficient to allow visitors safe access and egress to ensure effective means of escape in the event of an emergency. The exits should be kept available and unobstructed at all times and should generally be arranged so that there are alternative escape routes from any point within the event. 

Escape route signs should be illuminated at all times. 

Alternative means of escape and adequately maintained general and safety lighting, with maintained illuminated exit notices shall be provided to any enclosed area on a stand. All escape routes and exits shall be maintained unobstructed, in good order with non-slippery and even surfaces and free from trip hazards.  

Exit door lighting, fire signage and safety equipment signs must not be obstructed unless permission has been given by DECC and the organiser, and alternative arrangements made. Stands must be set out in such a way that they do not interfere with access to the fire-fighting devices. If fire-fighting devices are located inside the stands, they must remain visible and accessible at all times. 

Stands over 150sqm require minimum two emergency exits on opposite sides of the stand.  

Escape routes in stands have to have the following widths: 

• Stands up to 100sqm: 1m width minimum 

• Stands over 100sqm: 1.5m width minimum 

Please consult with the stand plan inspection agencies for stands over 500sqm

• The maximum length of an escape route on a stand is 15m until reaching an open area. 

• Should the escape route be longer than 15m then it needs to have 2m width minimum or an alternative escape route should be created leading to the opposite side of the stand. 

• If this is unachievable due to the large size of the stand, the stand should be designed in such way to ensure the shortest possible escape route. This type of layout will have to be checked individually by the stand plan inspection agencies. 

• Emergency exit doors must be non-lockable. 

• Emergency exit doors must have a system of easy and fast opening accessible on the side from which an evacuation would occur. 

• Emergency exit doors must open in the direction of the evacuation.