Hi,

I live in a block of 12 flats built in the early 1970s. Myself and the
other occupants of the flats are looking to replace our front doors
that open out into a corridor/stairwell (as they now look very dated).

The question I have is, what are the regulations here? I've had a hunt
around on the web but cant find any info on fire regulations regarding
this. I would assume that they would have to meet some fire safety
standards as the stairwell is the only means of escape for the flats at
the top of the building. Is this the case, and if so, would the doors
have to hold back fire for 1 hour?

Also, for us to be able to change the doors would we be required to get
a buildings inspector in?

Thanks in advance,
Gavin.

On 4 Jan 2007 01:33:23 -0800 Blokedownpub wrote :
The question I have is, what are the regulations here? I've had a hunt
around on the web but cant find any info on fire regulations regarding
this. I would assume that they would have to meet some fire safety
standards as the stairwell is the only means of escape for the flats at
the top of the building. Is this the case, and if so, would the doors
have to hold back fire for 1 hour?

Probably half-hour. Generally you also have half-hour doors separating
the inner hall (which is assumed to present next to no fire risk) from
the rooms within the flat.

If you talk to a specialist door supplier, they should be able to offer
you various options that will meet the required standards, but do not be
tempted to take the view that it's a load of red tape. As you say, the
assumption is that in the event of a fire the stairwell will provide a
safe route of escape from the upper floors.

--
Tony Bryer SDA UK 'Software to build on' http://www.sda.co.uk

"blokedownpub" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi,

I live in a block of 12 flats built in the early 1970s. Myself and the
other occupants of the flats are looking to replace our front doors
that open out into a corridor/stairwell (as they now look very dated).

The question I have is, what are the regulations here? I've had a hunt
around on the web but cant find any info on fire regulations regarding
this. I would assume that they would have to meet some fire safety
standards as the stairwell is the only means of escape for the flats at
the top of the building. Is this the case, and if so, would the doors
have to hold back fire for 1 hour?

I was under the impression that stairwells needed to have 2 hour fire
resistance. That may, however, depend upon the number of floors.

Colin Bignell

I don't suppose you could point me in the direction of where I can find
the information on the regulations for door fire resistance?

Thanks,
Gavin.

"blokedownpub" wrote in message
ups.com...
I don't suppose you could point me in the direction of where I can find
the information on the regulations for door fire resistance?

You want a copy of Building Regulations Approved Document B - Fire Safety.
Your local reference library should have a copy.

Colin Bignell

On Fri, 5 Jan 2007 17:57:16 -0000 Nightjar wrote :
You want a copy of Building Regulations Approved Document B -
Fire Safety. Your local reference library should have a copy.

They're all online for free download: www.planningportal.gov.uk

--
Tony Bryer SDA UK 'Software to build on' http://www.sda.co.uk

blokedownpub wrote:
Hi,

I live in a block of 12 flats built in the early 1970s. Myself and the
other occupants of the flats are looking to replace our front doors
that open out into a corridor/stairwell (as they now look very dated).

The question I have is, what are the regulations here? I've had a hunt
around on the web but cant find any info on fire regulations regarding
this. I would assume that they would have to meet some fire safety
standards as the stairwell is the only means of escape for the flats at
the top of the building. Is this the case, and if so, would the doors
have to hold back fire for 1 hour?

Also, for us to be able to change the doors would we be required to get
a buildings inspector in?

Thanks in advance,
Gavin.

Build Regulations are not retrospective. As this is maintenance, you
only have to replace like-for-like, and not upgrade to todays
standards. You do not have to involve building control for this work.

Having said that, it would be a good idea to upgrade if cost is not
prohibitive.

I would suggest a one hour rated door, with a self closing device and
intumescent and smoke strips to the door edge or frame, and also an
intumescent letter box.

dg