I carried out a FRA in a hotel, and one of the recommendations to protect the only escape route from one bedroom was to change the door on the cupboard under the stairs containing a fuseboard to at least FD30.
On my return, to carry out a review of the FRA, I found that an "attempt" at upgrading the standard door had been made. So, the door has been reinforced, it is definately thicker than it was, I'm not quite sure what it has been reinforced with, there are intumescent strips which have been fitted to the door, however, the door still does not close properly, the self closer is like nothing I have seen before, but if I was to use a self closer like that, it would only be on a kitchen cupboard or something similar. One further point on the existing door, is, as it is on the cupboard under the stairs, the door had a small cut out to fit in with the stairway, which may have influenced the decision not to replace the door.
As with many recommendations in action plans, these things cost money, I appreciate that, but by trying to cut corners, I feel this could cost the life of the poor customer who is allocated that room.
I know several companies will supply intumescent paints and "door upgrade" kits, and they claim following upgrade doors will comply with BS476
What is your opinion on upgrading standard doors ?