Safe Evacuation from Balcony – Discreet and Reliable Emergency Exit in Multi-Story Buildings
The balcony hatch with telescopic ladder is designed to function as a safe and efficient emergency exit from one balcony to the balcony below. It is installed in a cut-out opening in the balcony floor and enables rapid evacuation from each floor in the event of fire or other emergencies. The product is easy to use, simple to install, and discreet in design—making it a natural complement in modern residential projects.
Function and Safety
– Telescopic ladder that is easy to climb down
– Compact and discreet construction—hidden within the balcony floor
– Safety certified and type approved (VTT-RTH-00016-16 and VTT-RTH-00017-16)
– Patented design (Patent 2383418 – EPO – TELESCOPIC SUSPENDED LADDER)
Dimensions and Measurements
– Standard hatch size: 900 × 800 mm
– Ladder length: 1900 mm | Width: 450 mm
Fire Rating
To meet fire protection requirements, the hatch can be insulated as follows:
– EI 60: Two layers of fire-resistant wool (30 mm) above the lower covering
– EI 120: Two layers of fire-resistant wool (50 mm) above the lower covering
Additional Information on Balcony Ladders
In some buildings, there may also be a need for external balcony ladders, especially where balconies are not directly stacked. These can be mounted externally and used as a complement to balcony hatches. Telescopic ladders are particularly effective due to their compact form, robust construction, and ease of handling during emergencies. They can be recessed into the façade or mounted outside the balcony railing and folded down manually or automatically.
Applications
– Multi-family buildings with balconies on multiple levels
– Student housing and apartment buildings
– Nursing homes and care facilities
– Temporary evacuation routes in modular buildings
Benefits of Balcony Hatches with Telescopic Ladder
– Increases fire safety without compromising the building’s aesthetics
– Provides independent evacuation route from each floor
– Minimal space requirement—concealed installation
– Easy to maintain and inspect
Installation and Regulations
When installing balcony hatches with telescopic ladders:
– The product must be installed according to the supplier’s instructions
– Type-approved solutions are recommended according to the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning regulations (BBR)
– Verify that the building structure allows for an opening in the balcony slab
– Evacuation via ladder should include regular inspection and maintenance