Which material for fire exits?

[Guest AlisonGat]

Please can you give me some advice - we would like to replace a couple of emergency exits in our health centre. The doors are only used in the case of an emergency and are not access points to the building. In obtaining quotes from various suppliers we have been given conflicting information - please can you advise if we are able to install UPVC, composite or aluminium doors? Is this a matter of preference or would there be one preferred from a safety perspective.

Many thanks
 

[Tom Sutton]

They sound like final exit doors leading to the outside of the premises and therefore are unlikely to be required to be fire doors, consequently they can be made of any material you choose. What is important is the means of fastening these doors, the doors should be available for opening, from the inside, at all times the premises are occupied and should be able to be opened without the need for a key, panic latches or bars would be ideal solutions. They should be also adequately signed with the necessary signs.