Hello, I am changing non fire rated internal doors to FD30 with new rated linings/intumescent strips and a fire rated door leaf. However I want to fit non fire rated quality solid brass/PVD finish sprung door handles and latches (for design reasons). I intend to upgrade the existing solid timber front door with intumescent strips and door closer, fire rated handles etc, fit smoke and fire alarms etc.
I read on the forum that as long as they are fitted correctly with intumescent pads and do not compromise the integrity of the door they could be considered 'nominal' fire doors - have I misunderstood this?
It is 1 bed flat (top floor) in a purpose built 3 storey block with 15 flats, open deck access to single staircase built in 1980's. I will be renting out and I am considering doing short term lets eventually living there myself in the future.
From my understanding this may be outside the scope of the 'Small paying-guest accommodation - Guides & checklist’ and needs to comply with 'Fire Safety Order' and 9281_Sleeping_Accomodation_v2 and I have referenced Fire safety in purpose-built blocks of flats (July 2011), draft version of BS-9991-fire-safety-in-the-design-management-and-use-of-residential-buildings due 27 Nov. My exact situation and layout however is not identified on any layout examples so I have made an assessment.
The flat layout for living or long term renting currently doe not require FD30 doors internally only the external exit door (bedroom is closest to exit, longest travel distance is 9m living rm), and for short term lets nominal FD30 (minimum) are needed, I understand there is a revised version of Fire safety in purpose-built blocks of flats due this year.
My approach is - if a certified FD30 (beyond nominal fire door) does become a requirement to internal doors I can change out the handles and latches for certified products. Does this sound a feasible approach? Thank you for your help.
