Fire risk assessment wants new 60-min door?

Fire risk assessment wants new 60-min door?

15:43 PM, 8th December 2021, About 2 years ago 14

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I have been told I need to replace a 30-min fire door (it’s a door in a communal hallway leading to an empty basement which is completely closed off and locked) with a 60-min fire door.

Is this actually necessary? Due to the age of the building (Grand 2 listed) fitting a 60-min fire door will require a major upheaval as this will be clearly thicker than the existing 30-min one in situ plus is not a standard door shape/size – the existing frame will need removing the whole wall replastering/filling/battoning and the stairs leading down into the basement readjusted as the door opens straight onto stairs.

Could I still fulfil the 60-min requirement by insulating the existing door with fire boarding on either side?

Not trying to avoid carrying out safety measures – just more viable ways to achieve the standard while taking into consideration the complexity of the fabric of the property.

Many thanks

DSR


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Comments

yl2006

4:43 AM, 10th December 2021, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by DSR at 09/12/2021 - 14:06
Am I taking this as a PI covering exercise on his behalf or can I confidently claim that leaving the existing 30 min door in place is completely proportionate to the risk posed?

It may well be - sadly, however, that's not your call and you'd be on a sticky wicket if you're seen to be ignoring your risk assessment. In the current clime, it's not surprising that he's taken a, shall we say, conservative stance.

Upgrading the door leaf on it's own may not suffice - you've got to consider the door set as a whole - frame, hinges, intumescent pads, etc. Do you have the option of installing the second door as per his reply?

John P

12:33 PM, 10th December 2021, About 2 years ago

The basement is empty and the door locked.
If it's not in use, an alternative could be to replace or supplement the door with a non-opening fire-resistant panel screwed into place.
It could have a 60 min access hatch if required.

Puzzler

11:07 AM, 11th December 2021, About 2 years ago

Rather depends on the shop - if it's a restaurant or takeaway would be higher risk

John P

12:34 PM, 11th December 2021, About 2 years ago

It could cause big issues if you need to readjust the stairs, as a change in stairs has to comply with building regulations.
Regs don't permit a door to open directly onto the stairs and there has to be a landing. I seem to remember it has to be at least as long as the width of the door.

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