Mark Field

Hi, Modern conversion (2017) of office block to self-contained residential flats. Gas boilers for flats are installed in common part cupboards. FD30S doors and semi-reasonable fire resisting construction but no lobby separating the place of 'special fire hazard' from the stairway, as the cupboards open directly onto the corridor leading to the stair. Does this meets with ADB, I don't think it does and I am also concerned that there are flues running into voids, but that's a separate gas regulation issue. All thoughts gratefully received. Mark

Many thanks Neil, I have been trying to pin this down for a while now and having your input finally made it make sense. In fact, it is obvious now, but I didn't see the wood for the trees! On the same subject, do you know the year that strips and seals were first required in the building reg's, I am thinking it would have been the 1985 regs? Your help is much appreciated, Mark

I am not 100% sure if the fire doors, for typical services cupboards in residential blocks of flats (or other buildings) are required to be FD30S or FD30. Approved document B, I believe, is still quite confusing on the subject and I cannot find clear guidance in the other fire safety guides. I have carried out and reviewed numerous FRA's over the last 15 years and I see no consistency in new or older buildings. My question therefore is: Are fire doors for services cupboards in common part means of escape required to be fitted with combined intumescent strips and cold smoke seals or just intumescent strips? All incites gratefully received. Mark