Compliant self-closing devices suitable for the elderly in blocks of flats

[AbiL]

I am involved in over-seeing a number of flat entrance door upgrades in older blocks (1950's-1970's) that have non-compliant (chain closer or self-closing hinges) or no self-closing device.  Many of the residents to these blocks are elderly and I am finding that they struggle to open the door with an over-head BS EN 1154 compliant self-closing device.  In some cases residents have been completely unable to open their front door even with a cam-assisted closer adjusted to the minimum setting.  This is becoming a real problem especially where the drive is to enable people to remain independent in their own homes for longer.  Power assisted door openers are obviously a great expense for elderly people.  Are there any products/solutions available that I am missing?!

Are fire doors constructed of that age even to be trusted as providing 30 minutes?  What was the general type of construction of the door leaf in the 60's-70's? 

I have my opinions on these matters and appropriate management/maintenance but I'm interested in other people's views, particularly those with experience and technical knowledge that I lack!

Greatly appreciated.

 

 

[Safelincs]

Hi Abi, you might want to consider free-swing door closers. These allow fire doors to be opened just like normal doors (no resistance) and will stay open in any position. They will, of course, close should a fire occur. The free-swing door closers are either wired to a fire alarm panel or listen out for the sound of a fire alarm.

Harry

[Tom Sutton]

If the flats have no fire alarm you could consider cam action doors closer which  is extremely efficient, allowing the closer to be set to provide reliable closing power for fire door applications yet still be easy to open.

[Neil Ashdown MAFDI]

Hi AbiL, My advice is to talk to a specialist manufacturer of self-closing devices for advice about the best solution for your circumstances. 

With regard to fire door leaves manufactured in the 60s / 70s, construction type is likely to be solid timber core but may also include a layer of cement board or plasterboard (or asbestos if older) inside the core of the door leaf.

Door cores of that type are likely generally to provide good fire separation qualities but of course the core of the leaf is not the only consideration. Failures of fire doors  in terms of fire integrity are usually due to apertures fitted for glass panels, letter-plates etc or due to missing intumescent seals, excessive perimeter gaps or incorrect ironmongery spec/installation.

You may wish to consider engaging a 'competent person' to undertake a suitable fire door inspection and report.

[AbiL]

Thank you all, very useful to hear others advice from the industry.  I have considered free-swing doors but as Tom says, in most of the purpose-built blocks there is no fire alarm system.  And if there is I'm asking why! 

I did have a report that one 95 year old lady couldn't open her flat front door even with a cam action closer, which raises other questions that I don't have control over.  Perhaps suitable adjustment is key in this situation.

Thank you Neil for comments re fire doors.  I'm trying to find a risk appropriate solution that doesn't place too much financial burden on Leaseholders but considering the events of 2017 perhaps it's time that the gold standard is sought.

Thanks again

 

[Tom Sutton]

No prob.

[Neil Ashdown MAFDI]

ditto

[Guest CAylward]

Hi AbiL

I am very interested in how you overcame the issue.  I have exactly the same issue in the purpose built complex I manage.  The elderly residents, whose average age is 83, are incurring injuries as the door closures are closing the doors too quickly (even on the lightest adjustment) and are very heavy.  Several are worried that they would not be able to leave their flats in the event of a fire within.  I am all for fire safety, however it seems that one safety policy has incurred a more hazardous one on a more frequent basis, especially to the elderly who move a lot slower and often rely on aids to assist them.  It has also caused more concern for their safety than relieving it.

Our building is under 11m and I have seen in the FRAPT that fire door requirements for buildings under 11m differ from those over 11m although I was not able to determine what the difference was.  Can anyone assist with this.

[AnthonyB]

The one fire door function that is non negotiable in any size of flats with respect to fire doors is the ability to self close. Missing or non functional self closers were the main contributor to deaths at Grenfell with respect to the doors, not the general age & condition.

If the block was moved to simultaneous evacuation (with the appropriate fire detection and alarm system fitted) with smoke control to common areas that might be an alternative, however even so the effect of an open front door to a flat fire may still not give an achievable safe evacuation time, especially not sprinklered.

[Neil ashdown]

A BS 8300 compliant door self-closer should provide much easier operation that a standard one. 

[Mike North]

Possible solution is a free swing closure such as 

Briton 996 Hold Open Free-Swing Door Closer