stu bruce

The Code of Practice hardware for fire and escape doors 6.3.2 Roller Bolt Catches is possibly the worst guidance for a Fire Door Inspector currently out there . What we need is a definitive guidance on Roller Bolt style night latches . The occupants of buildings where these are fitted almost all want the type that does not lock you out when pulled closed by the closer . They do not look like the picture in the '' code of practice '' either . I personally do not see how these can be suitable for a fire door by the very nature that they do not lock shut when pulled into the closed position . Would a raging fire in a flat not try to pull the door open . What if somebody tripped/stumbled or was accidently pushed into the door leaf whilst exiting through building from common way , surely it would just give way and expose them to the fire etc. They also say that all hardware should be marked with CE/UKCA stamps but i have yet to see any such markings on any night latch style locks . 6.3.2. is not fit for purpose . I actually would go so far as to say that currently the regulations for Fire Doors are so open to interpretation and so many grey areas that they need a complete overhaul . How any insurer at the moment would be confident to insure any building of multiple occupancy is beyond me . The whole issue of making good '' nominal and notional '' doors is another area that needs looking into . Personally there should be a Government program to produce a standard affordable FD30 door set to replace all of those . Cost should be split between Building owner and flat owner .