Fire Doors

[james fleming]

Is there a minimum size a fire door should be to constitute it being used?  For example would a 5 foot by 2 foot door do.  

And last question…are doors marked in a way to indicate that they are fire doors.  For example haw can you tell the difference from a 30min protected door to a 60 min protected door?

Thanks

[wee brian]

James. You may be confusing;

Fire Doors - doors designed to stop fire spreading from one side to the other.

Fire Exits - doors designed to allow people to escape through them.

Some doors serve both functions, others just one.

There are some trade marking schemes about.

some use plastic plugs in the edge of the door. Different colours indicate what spec they are. (the TRADA scheme is one check out their website)

More recnetly the BWF Certifire Scheme has become more popular this has a label stapled to the top of the door.

These schemes are not mandatory so its hard to tell for sure.

In terms of the minimum size, The width will depend on the number of people who have to travel through it. If its only 5 foot tall (normall doors are 6'6'') I would not recomend its use unless there are extenuating circumstances. That is not many people using it and all of them familiar with the building (not the gen public).

[Chris Houston]

Is there a minimum size a fire door should be to constitute it being used?  For example would a 5 foot by 2 foot door do.  

And last question…are doors marked in a way to indicate that they are fire doors.  For example haw can you tell the difference from a 30min protected door to a 60 min protected door?

Thanks

James, you need to understand the difference between a fire exit and a fire door.

[james fleming]

Okay folks, I get the gist…  

The door, which is marked fire exit, is about 5foot 2inch.  There is another one smaller than this.  

Are these permissible or will it depend on the risk assessment, who’s using the areas etc..

Thanks

[wee brian]

Simple answer

Not suitable for the public or others unfamiliar with the building.

Ok for small numbers of people.

As you say its down to risk assessment.

[Fishy]

The obligation is to provide “adequate” means of escape.  This depends upon who is expected to use it, and how many are expected to use it.

There is guidance in the Approved Document ‘B’ to the Building reg’s that a clear opening width of 750mm should be regarded as a minimum.  My own view - If there are building works going on in the building, you probably should be aiming to comply with this (assuming that the relevant floor occupancy isn't over the figures in that document).  If not, then it’s down to (guess what) risk assessment, and the relevant assessment should consider this guidance, but only implement it if it’s reasonably practicable to do so.  You don’t say what the escape route is to be used for, but if members of the public are expected to use it then it is probably too narrow (particularly if disabled people may be present).  If it is well lit, will only ever be used by a few members of staff, who are all familiar with the building and its escape routes and you’re not doing any significant building works to the premises, you may be able to argue that it’s adequate.

[Fishy]

...and if it's timber in construction and is also required to be a fire-resisting doorset, you can get guidance on performance, maintenance etc in BS 8214.

[wee brian]

Fishy is right about the width of the door but I think the issue here is its height.

at 5'2 people are going to be banging their heads. Hence my suggestion that it should be used only for a small number of people and definately not for the gen. pub.

[Brian Downes]

or even a number of small people!!

[james fleming]

The room used is mainly by young people (about 10)and one member of staff.

[wee brian]

about 10 years old or 10 of them?

Most 10 year olds are less than 5'2'' - or are they........