FacilitiesNAE Posted February 1, 2023 Report Share Posted February 1, 2023 We recently had fire safety remedial work carried out on an internal protected stairwell, which included replacing combustible push-open access doors with lockable fire doors, which open onto the stairwell and contain evac chairs on 2 levels (there are 5 levels in total including a basement). The doors only stay fully closed by being locked, with a FB key. The stairwell is now signed off by the contractors as 60 minute fire rating. I would like to keep the evac chairs in these 'access cupboards' without building another storage unit as recommended on our recent FRA - our stairwell is limited for space but we can't keep emergency chairs in locked storage for obvious reasons. If the doors are remediated with fast shutting door closer units, and I attach a small pull handle to open the doors, will the stairwell still be fire safety compliant so I can continue to use them for the evac chairs? Link to images (I can't seem to upload) is here: fire doors Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnthonyB Posted February 1, 2023 Report Share Posted February 1, 2023 Leave unlocked and fit an EN 1154 such as https://www.safelincs.co.uk/geze-2000-overhead-door-closer/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FacilitiesNAE Posted February 3, 2023 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2023 Hi Anthony, Thank you, that's useful - Additionally, is there a need to install a catch on the door? As I mentioned there is only an FB mortice lock installed currently. Many thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnthonyB Posted February 6, 2023 Report Share Posted February 6, 2023 Self closing doors don't always have catches, a well adjusted closer can sometimes hold the door enough not to warrant one. The forums fire door expert should hopefully give you a detailed answer next time they log on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Ashdown MAFDI Posted February 7, 2023 Report Share Posted February 7, 2023 Based on the use of the self-closer above and assuming that the fire door leaf has evidence of fire performance in an unlatched configuration, the door could be unlatched. Correct installation of the self-closing device is key to performance for 'hold-shut' as well as self-closing performance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.