Latches on corridor doors

[Guest Terry]

Are latches allowed on corridor/stairwell doors in sheltered housing? They have self closing devices but I thought they should just be pushed open.

[Neil Ashdown MAFDI]

Unlatched doors are easier to use and provide a more efficient escape route.  Therefore, so long as the self-closing devices are strong enough to hold the unlatched doors closed in draughty conditions I would advocate unlatched doors.