Fire doors - can they be swing doors

[TWDB]

Hi, on a recent inspection of our stores area we found that the stores team have removed a sticking ltch to allow the doors to swing "freely" as its easier to pass through when carrying things - these doors are fire doors with immulsitant strips .

So i wanted to ask is this ok? allowed - doesn't seem right to me, and if not allowed - any thoughts on a solution? automatic door?

let me know you thoughts

T

[Messy]

Its a bit tricky to answer this to be honest

If the door is required as a fire door, then it really should not be altered by somebody unless they are competent. If the door is to be downgraded from a fire door to a bog standard door, it really should trigger a review of your fire risk assessment.

You may be able to fit an acoustic door holder such as a dorgard - which releases on the sound of the fire alarm - but again, this would need to be considered as part of a FRA review as there are some limitations on the use of door holders and if you have a fire safety strategy, holding a door may be contrary to the aims in that document

[TWDB]

Its a bit tricky to answer this to be honest

If the door is required as a fire door, then it really should not be altered by somebody unless they are competent. If the door is to be downgraded from a fire door to a bog standard door, it really should trigger a review of your fire risk assessment.

You may be able to fit an acoustic door holder such as a dorgard - which releases on the sound of the fire alarm - but again, this would need to be considered as part of a FRA review as there are some limitations on the use of door holders and if you have a fire safety strategy, holding a door may be contrary to the aims in that document

thanks Messy,

So this door was a "normal fire door" then the latch has been removed to allow swing (better access) this is not allowed unless you can down grade the door in question from not being a fire door? assuming a swing door can't be a fire door due to the nature of movement required.
Thanks
T

[witsd]

Does it need to be a fire door? From a risk to life perspective, do you need a 30m delay at this location in order to protect anyone who might be present while they evacuate?

If not, you may be able to get away with it, though you may wish to run it past your insurers as well.

[stephen1974]

You can have swing doors as fire doors. I believe they are caled double action doors and you often find them in restaurants / kitchens where waiters have to push the doors in and out because their hands are full of plates so they cant pull.