In small blocks, the below approach is that suggested in the draft of new guidance - this may not make it into the final edition in this form, but sets out some basic criteria and could be taken to implies (rightly or wrongly) that panels aren't OK (depending in how you interpret solid throughout the door):
As discussed above, it is accepted that, in older blocks, fire doors, particularly flat entrance doors, do not meet current test standards for FD30S doors. However, these doors may still be acceptable if the doors remain in good condition and they met the relevant standards at the time of construction of the block.
It will not be practicable to test existing doors to confirm their actual fire resistance. For the purpose of your fire risk assessment, original fire doors will normally be acceptable if the following is taken into account:
? The doors should comprise solid material throughout the depth of the door (e.g. 44mm thick solid timber or timber doors with a chipboard or flaxboard core);
? Doors should close onto substantial doorstops (typically, 25mm). In the case of older doors, the presence of a 25mm stop is usually an indication that the original door and frame were designed to be fire resisting;
? Hollow core doors, and doors fitted with thin panels, are unlikely to provide adequate fire resistance;
? Doors should be in sound condition with no damage, splits or gaps.
Existing timber fire doors can be upgraded to improve their fire resistance by, for example, fitting intumescent strips and smoke seals and reducing the gaps around the door leaf.
However, before undertaking such work, you should seek advice on the measures necessary from a competent person experienced in undertaking work on fire doors.
If there is any doubt that doors will provide an adequate level of fire resistance, advice should be sought from a competent person, such as a third-party certificated fire risk assessor,
building surveyor or similar professional person.
