HMO Fire Doors

[witsd]

I've spent a good 15 minutes looking now and I can't see where in legislation the requirement for an HMO to have internal fire doors on bedrooms and kitchens is.

I know there's a requirement - everyone says so, but I can't find anything in actual legislation. Best I've got so far is that HMOs classify as relevant premises (Fire Scotland Act, section 78, combined with section 5 of the Housing Scotland Act).

There's also section 2.1 of the Building (Scotland) Regs, but that's vague and doors are not specifically mentioned.

It can't just be in general guidance, can it?

Any further pointers would be appreciated.

[Alexis]

Can anyone offer anything more definitive for Witsd please?

Many thanks if you can. Always appreciated.

[Ian Rienewerf]

Go to the June 2022 technical handbook linked on this page.
It's the 156 page document, via the middle link of the 3x listed = Section-0 and Section-2 interim publication PDF (for Domestic buildings)
https://www.gov.scot/policies/building- ... gulations/
The regs appear to be geared for multi occupancy tower blocks and sheltered accommodation - but should apply equally apply to HMO (homes of multiple occupancy) where the bedroom door leads onto a first floor landing or ground floor corridor or escape route.

Quote: Standard 2.2
Every building, which is divided into more than one area of different occupation, must be designed and constructed in such a way that in the event of an outbreak of fire within the building, fire and smoke are inhibited from spreading beyond the area of occupation where the fire originated.

2.2.2 Dwellings with common occupation
"A separating wall or separating floor with at least a medium fire resistance duration should be provided between a dwelling and any other part of the building in common occupation. A protected zone and a common access corridor should be considered as being in common occupation. Any self-closing fire door installed in these separating walls should have at least a short fire resistance duration....."

[Ian Rienewerf]

Additional info = the kitchen is a shared area, therefore it is not an area of different occupation.
The higher fire risk will need to be controlled via a fire door or equivalent protection.

I assume that using page 65 of the handbook:
The bedrooms will be regulated under 2.2 Standard, 2.2.0 introduction, and 2.2.1 Dwellings under different occupation.
The kitchen will be regulated under 2.2 Standard, 2.2.0 introduction, and 2.2.2 Dwellings with common occupation.

[witsd]

Additional info = the kitchen is a shared area, therefore it is not an area of different occupation.
The higher fire risk will need to be controlled via a fire door or equivalent protection.

I assume that using page 65 of the handbook:
The bedrooms will be regulated under 2.2 Standard, 2.2.0 introduction, and 2.2.1 Dwellings under different occupation.
The kitchen will be regulated under 2.2 Standard, 2.2.0 introduction, and 2.2.2 Dwellings with common occupation.

Well found - very much appreciated!

Just as a bit of background info - we have a company telling us that all our fire doors within the HMO they are looking at should be linked to the fire panel, which is clearly a load of twaddle, but seeing as we couldn't locate the requirement for the doors in the first place, we wanted to get ourselves in order before telling them to shove off.

[Messy]

Just as a bit of background info - we have a company telling us that all our fire doors within the HMO they are looking at should be linked to the fire panel, which is clearly a load of twaddle, but seeing as we couldn't locate the requirement for the doors in the first place, we wanted to get ourselves in order before telling them to shove off.

Linked as in magnetic door holders? - All of them?

[witsd]

Linked as in magnetic door holders? - All of them?

Oh yes indeed. The perks of working for a large company – everyone thinks it's worth trying to push their luck.