Flat entrance fire doors

[K Lard]

I have seen many self-closing devices on the outside of flat fire doors. From a fire safety point of view is there any reason why they cannot be fitted to the outside particularly when the self-closer fitted on the inside restricts the door from fully opening due to internal dimensions.

[AnthonyB]

It would make inspection easier for sure! Ought to be more common.

[colin todd]

It allows nasty little scroats to wire the s/c so that people are trapped in their dwelling. Then they can shove burning material through the letterbox.

[AnthonyB]

Wow, I didn't know they've ever gone to that extent with closers, accelerants through letterboxes isn't uncommon in arson attacks but I'll happily admit I never considered interfering with the s/c to prevent escape and delay rescue!

I must be lucky enough not to go to insalubrious areas where this occurs!

[colin todd]

You need to get out more, Tony, or you will get like the people who are currently influencing fire safety, most of whom seem to live on the Planet Zanussi and just visit us here on earth.

[alfire]

The fitting of closers on the outside of doors was required by a client to prevent ligature attachment points within the room and, as said it certainly makes confirmation of their presence, or lack of, a lot easier.

Visiting a sheltered housing block, for the first time a while back, I noticed that closers appeared to have been fitted but were now missing. The ensuing discussion with the occupier, and the inspection of the rest of the building, led to the discovery that it was a concious decision by her and several other occupiers to remove the closers  due to the difficulty of opening the doors.

This was covered in detail in the FRA report and some resident engagement took place-my head is still hurting from contact with various walls.