The client already has FD 30S on all bedrooms, but the RRO guides do not explicitly pescribe where smoke seals / strips should be fitted - and this is the client's argument - he has looked at the guides and can't find any reference stating where seals / strips should be fitted.
Neither can I. Dont get me wrong - I think the client should fit the seals and strips, but he has got a point about the guide not stating anything about this issue.
What are your thoughts on this - with a good rebated door are strips and seals really needed?
I do not think your client will ever get a clear cut answer because the RR (FS) O guides are not standards they are more like an information banks, you study it and when you have absorbed it, you have the necessary knowledge, to conduct a fire risk assessment but not necessarily the experience or ability. When you applying this knowledge there are so many different situations, you have to apply it, depending on the circumstances of each case.
The approved documents are more like standards; if an architect builds in accordance with the AD then it will satisfy the Building Regulations if he digresses then he has to prove his proposals will satisfy the BR.
When considering the spread of flame and there is a need for fire resisting doors it is almost certain they will require intumescent strips to achieve the necessary fire resistance standard. Check out Aunty Lin’s bible at
http://www.asdma.com/ “The best Practice guide for timber fire doors.”
When considering the spread of cold smoke then there are many factors to consider, are you going for smoke containment or smoke dispersal, do you require or is there AFD installed, can the occupants evacuate easily or will they need to stay put, it is these and maybe others that will decide if cold smoke seals are required.
There are no straight answers, when I was game fully employed the operational guys used to call us as the men in grey because when ever they asked a question, the reply was in almost all cases, “I can’t give a black and white answer, because this is a grey area” and I don’t think much has changed.
