Internal fire doors in new builds
Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2024 3:56 pm
Hi all, having a bit of a nightmare with this one.
Here is the scenario:
It's a domestic new build (circa 2020) in Scotland. A three storey building, but the flat in question is ground floor only, with an external front door and no internal links to other properties.
All internal doors except for the bathroom are fire doors, and are fitted with this type of concealed self closer (with which I'm not familiar at all!) This includes a very small cupboard off of the main hallway.
These are particularly heavy doors, and are proving a serious problem for residents with disabilities, causing accidents and delaying egress in emergencies.
So my questions:
1. Where specifically is it written that internal fire doors are required in Scotland? I've spent half an hour trawling various things, but I'm clearly missing it.
2. I'm seeing a lot about 'three storey buildings', but does that still apply when this flat is entirely self-contained with no links to other storeys?
3. Can the above type of self-closer be adjusted to minimise the resistance and slow the closing down?
4. Can I justify removing the self-closers if the alternative is risking the occupant's health?
5. What other more outlandish solutions are there? Fitting motors / dorgards? Anything else?
Here is the scenario:
It's a domestic new build (circa 2020) in Scotland. A three storey building, but the flat in question is ground floor only, with an external front door and no internal links to other properties.
All internal doors except for the bathroom are fire doors, and are fitted with this type of concealed self closer (with which I'm not familiar at all!) This includes a very small cupboard off of the main hallway.
These are particularly heavy doors, and are proving a serious problem for residents with disabilities, causing accidents and delaying egress in emergencies.
So my questions:
1. Where specifically is it written that internal fire doors are required in Scotland? I've spent half an hour trawling various things, but I'm clearly missing it.
2. I'm seeing a lot about 'three storey buildings', but does that still apply when this flat is entirely self-contained with no links to other storeys?
3. Can the above type of self-closer be adjusted to minimise the resistance and slow the closing down?
4. Can I justify removing the self-closers if the alternative is risking the occupant's health?
5. What other more outlandish solutions are there? Fitting motors / dorgards? Anything else?