Stu_B Posted May 16, 2023 Report Posted May 16, 2023 Hi, I have an external Fire Door that is not in regular use that opens inwards, now we have been told that the door needs to open the other way which would open onto a footpath, could somebody please tell me what the rules are concerning this please. Thanks Stu_B Quote
Mike North Posted May 17, 2023 Report Posted May 17, 2023 A door can swing in either direction as long as there is less than 60 people expected to use the door Quote
Stu_B Posted May 18, 2023 Author Report Posted May 18, 2023 Hi Mike, thanks for the answer, is this in writing anywhere ? ie is it in a certain set of regulations ? thanks Quote
Lyledunn Posted May 21, 2023 Report Posted May 21, 2023 Mike is correct as this is the arbitrary approach usually employed. However, like all arbitrary limits, one must be careful in implementing it. Ideally the door should swing in the direction of travel, so why is it not? Could it be easily attended to such that the risk is ALARP? I don’t think it should be dismissed without specific risk assessment. I had one small public house where the only exit opened in, when the bar was packed on a weekend, it was almost impossible to get out! Whilst the risk from fire would be low, my view was that the MOE was inadequate. It was a simple job for a carpenter and now the situation is much improved. Quote
Stu_B Posted May 22, 2023 Author Report Posted May 22, 2023 Hi Lyle, when you say arbitrary , does this mean that there are no set rules and it could be right or wrong depending who is doing a risk assessment for it ? Thanks Stu B Quote
Lyledunn Posted May 22, 2023 Report Posted May 22, 2023 Well, in the professional world I inhabit, that being the hospitality sector, for some eager beavers the number 60 was carted down the mountain by Moses. For others, a more flexible approach might be in order depending on circumstances. However, the feathers can fly when the flexible meets the pedantic! Quote
AnthonyB Posted May 22, 2023 Report Posted May 22, 2023 From Building Regulations Direction of opening 5.11 The door of any doorway or exit should be hung to open in the direction of escape whenever reasonably practicable. It should always be hung to open in the direction of escape if either of the following conditions applies. a. More than 60 people might be expected to use it during a fire. b. There is a very high risk of fire with potential for rapid fire growth, such as with some industrial activities. Quote
Stu_B Posted June 14, 2023 Author Report Posted June 14, 2023 Thanks Anthony, do you know if I can download the building regs from anywhere ? Thanks Stu B Quote
AnthonyB Posted June 14, 2023 Report Posted June 14, 2023 Fire safety: Approved Document B - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Quote
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