Fire doors/Storage on protected stairway

[FacilitiesNAE]

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.

[AnthonyB]

Leave unlocked and fit an EN 1154 such as https://www.safelincs.co.uk/geze-2000-overhead-door-closer/

 

[FacilitiesNAE]

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.

[AnthonyB]

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

[Neil Ashdown MAFDI]

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.

[Guest advice please,]

how high is the risk of leaving a sluice room fire door that is marked as keep locked left on the latch or a linen storage room left on the latch

[AnthonyB]

There is risk it could be left ajar after use or not held enough on the latch to resist the pressures caused by a developed fire,both rendering the door ineffective. The keep locked shut designation is in place of having a self closer on the door - if the locking is no longer convenient then fitting a self closer will keep the door effective.

[Mike North]

Read and inwardly digest for the risks involved leaving fire doors open

Rosepark care home deaths 'preventable' inquiry finds - BBC News