School Emergency Fire Escape Installation – Miller House School

Fire Escape Installation in Leicester

We were commissioned by the main contractor to design, fabricate, and install a brand-new external emergency fire escape at Miller House School in Leicester. This full design-and-build project delivered a fully compliant evacuation solution for a three-storey educational building where no fire escape previously existed.

As a specialist contractor in fire escape installation and structural steel fabrication in Leicester, our role was to provide a safe, durable, and regulation-compliant escape system suitable for a busy school environment.

Miller House School provides education for pupils aged between 11 and 16 with a range of special educational needs, meaning safety, reliability, and long-term performance were central to every stage of the project.

Project Overview

The objective was to design and construct a compliant external steel fire escape that met all current Building Regulations and fire safety standards while integrating seamlessly with the existing building.

Our scope of works included:

• Fire escape design and engineering

• Structural steel fabrication

• Installation of galvanised escape stairs and handrails

• Fire-rated external cladding installation

• Stainless steel safety mesh installation

• Structural fixing into the building

The completed system provides a dedicated emergency evacuation route, significantly improving building safety and regulatory compliance.

Fire Escape Design & Structural Steel Construction

We delivered a complete design-and-build fire escape solution, manufacturing the structure using structural steel sections engineered for strength, stability, and long-term durability.

The staircase incorporates fully galvanised steel stairs throughout, offering excellent corrosion resistance and minimal maintenance requirements in an external environment. Secure handrails were installed across all levels to ensure safe access and full compliance with fire escape safety standards.

The structure was precisely fabricated and structurally fixed into the existing building, creating a permanent and dependable evacuation system suitable for daily use and emergency situations.

Fire-Rated Cladding Installation

At ground-floor level, fire-protected walling was installed using 8mm Rockpanel Colours A2 Fire Resistant Façade Cladding Boards (1200mm x 3050mm) in RAL 100 80 05.

This fire-rated cladding system enhances safety by improving fire resistance while providing a clean, modern exterior finish appropriate for an educational setting. The installation contributes to overall compliance with fire safety regulations while protecting the escape route structure.

Safety Mesh & Protective Features

Stainless steel mesh was installed to the upper sections of the fire escape to provide:

• Anti-climb protection

• Fall prevention

• Safeguarding compliance for a school environment

• Increased long-term durability

This solution maintains visibility and airflow while improving overall user safety.

Weather Protection Roofing

A silver polycarbonate roof was installed above the staircase to provide weather protection for users and reduce long-term exposure to the elements. This improves year-round usability while helping preserve the structural components of the fire escape.

Installation Challenges

The project presented significant access restrictions, preventing crane use on site. All structural steel components were therefore installed manually using scaffolding systems and controlled lifting methods.

Despite the tight working environment, the installation was completed safely and efficiently through careful planning and experienced site management — demonstrating our capability in complex commercial fire escape installations.

Compliance & Regulations

The completed fire escape installation was designed and constructed in accordance with:

• UK Building Regulations

• Fire safety regulations

• Structural fixing and compliance standards

This ensures the system provides a fully compliant emergency evacuation route suitable for an operational school environment.

Completed Result

The new external fire escape has transformed building safety at Miller House School by introducing a compliant evacuation route where none previously existed.

Key outcomes include:

• Improved emergency evacuation safety

• Full regulatory compliance

• Durable, low-maintenance construction

• Long-term structural reliability

The project delivers a robust and professional solution designed to serve the school safely for many years.

Fire Escape Installation & Structural Steel Fabrication in Leicester

We specialise in fire escape design, fabrication, and installation for schools, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities across Leicester and the Midlands.

Our services include:

• External steel fire escapes

• Structural steel fabrication

• Fire-rated cladding systems

• Commercial vehicle and building fabrication

• Design-and-build compliance projects

If you require a reliable contractor for fire escape installation in Leicester or a bespoke structural fabrication project, contact us to discuss your requirements.