Hi All,
I have a client who is utilising Automatic Sliding Doors as a final exit. Article 14 is clear that sliding doors should not be used as a final exit.
The door is linked into the Fire Alarm system and according to the client (I haven't witnessed this) opens upon activation of the alarm system. Apparently there is a battery back up in case of mains failure. I am aware that by assessment the term "neccessity" may be utilised, given that there would only be a small number of persons (up to 10) who would use this as final exit. I have deep reservations and would appreciate your thoughts
Millpond
Automatic Sliding Doors as Final Exit
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Messy
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Re: Automatic Sliding Doors as Final Exit
As you say, sliding doors are not best practice on escape routes but not impossible.
Have a look at this recent thread:
http://www.healthandsafetytips.co.uk/fo ... rs#p346082
The devil is in the detail for me. Is the premises low risk? You have mentioned 10 occupants, but how about in terms of slow fire growth? You would not want people rushing in a hurry to be pushing on this door.
Is it the only final exit?
You mention a battery back up? What does that battery do? Open the door an leave it open? Open and close the door until it dies? (if so, how many openings before the battery dies??. Lastly, what happen when the door dies? Does it open the door as it's last action? Is there a green break glass override unit fitted? Can you slide the door against the mechanism as a last resort?
Why do you need a sliding door? Is there a sound business case for keeping it? Can the sliding door be converted easily to a hinged outward opening door within a reasonable budget? (even if the door was set within a lobby within the boundary of the building)?
I would try to get rid of the door is at all possible - especially if its the only final exit, but for a low risk premises with suitable resilient power supplies and overrides - and backed up with a maintenance regime in excess of what may usually be required for a sliding door, it may well be suitable
Good luck
Have a look at this recent thread:
http://www.healthandsafetytips.co.uk/fo ... rs#p346082
The devil is in the detail for me. Is the premises low risk? You have mentioned 10 occupants, but how about in terms of slow fire growth? You would not want people rushing in a hurry to be pushing on this door.
Is it the only final exit?
You mention a battery back up? What does that battery do? Open the door an leave it open? Open and close the door until it dies? (if so, how many openings before the battery dies??. Lastly, what happen when the door dies? Does it open the door as it's last action? Is there a green break glass override unit fitted? Can you slide the door against the mechanism as a last resort?
Why do you need a sliding door? Is there a sound business case for keeping it? Can the sliding door be converted easily to a hinged outward opening door within a reasonable budget? (even if the door was set within a lobby within the boundary of the building)?
I would try to get rid of the door is at all possible - especially if its the only final exit, but for a low risk premises with suitable resilient power supplies and overrides - and backed up with a maintenance regime in excess of what may usually be required for a sliding door, it may well be suitable
Good luck
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millpond
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Re: Automatic Sliding Doors as Final Exit
Thanks Messy
Very detailed and sensible response and with previous info
The place in question has numerous issues which led to me giving a “high” Risk, irrespective of the door issue.
Thanks for your corroborative expertise
Millpond
Very detailed and sensible response and with previous info
The place in question has numerous issues which led to me giving a “high” Risk, irrespective of the door issue.
Thanks for your corroborative expertise
Millpond
