Replacing fire door

[Guest Andrelup]

I have purchased an apartment which has two front doors!.. The main, outer door is an ordinary door although just after it, before I access the hall there is another door which is a fire door. This door has no lock or handle and is simply just pushed open to get through.

I would like to seek permission to remove the internal fire door and replace the front door with one of a fire resistant grade.

Who would I need to talk to in this regard? Would I need written permission to undertake the task?

[Tom Sutton]

I am assuming you live in a block of apartments with common areas and consequently the premises the premises are subject to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and will be subject to a fire risk assessment. The FRA will be conducted by the Responsible Person, in this case most likely will be the owner or the managing agents and that person or persons should be able to assist you. They will have to reassess the FRA in light of your proposals and decide if they are acceptable. I would also keep a written record.

[Guest Haroulla]

Hi

I have a similar query for discussion. My building is a three storey victorian building converted to flats with a single stair case exit via the front door. The three flats issue on to these stairs.

The doors to the flats are going to be replaced. Can the existing frames be reused and upgraded and new 44mm solid core doors with smoke /intemescent seals be fitted. Or should new certified doors and frames be installed to comply with the Fire regulatory act 2005?

[Tom Sutton]

The following is a quote from the Lacors guide and is the general stock answer to your question.

"The specification for the door-set on site should be identical to that specified in the test report for the door-set, which will be available from the manufacturer or supplier. Variations in any detail from the test specification may adversely affect the performance of the door. When new fire doors are to be provided, ideally an entire door-set construction should be fitted thereby overcoming potential problems with fitting doors to frames of a different specification to that in the test construction. However, it is recognized that in some existing buildings of substantial construction this requirement may cause practical difficulties. If this is the case it may be possible to fit new fire doors to existing frames. This will, however, only be acceptable if the frames are of sound construction, in good condition, and of material and dimensions not less than those of the frame detailed in the test report"

It all depends on who conducts the fire risk assessment and what they are prepared to accept. It also depends on the enforcing authority (Fire and Rescue Service) and how well they accept the principle of risk assessment. I am afraid there is no simple answers.

[Safelincs]

Hi Haroulla

It is quite cost efficient to buy the door and frame together. Just measure the size of the wall opening once the old frame is removed and enter dimensions into http://www.safelincs.co.uk/Fire-Doors-with-30-minutes-protection-FD30/?doorWithFrame=CONFIGURE%20A%20DOOR%20WITH%20A%20FRAME&door_id=&prev_door=&this_depth=&door_width=&door_height=&frame_opt=&door_leaf_size=&lstproducts=&lstoptions=&xSec=236&uniqueID=&cust_depth=&step=2

Harry

[Guest MWinst]

We have had a fire risk assessment and been told the doors need to be replaced with fire doors. The building is from 1911 and remains substantially unchanged. All the doors are original . We do not want to change the doors as it will ruin the character of the house. Is there a way the doors can be lined to make them safe, comply with the regulations and preserve the integrity of the building.

[Tom Sutton]

Check out the Passive Fire Protection Federation they have a publication about upgrading fire doors and the Fire Risk Assessor and/or the Fire and Rescue Service may accept upgrading.

http://pfpf.associationhouse.org.uk/default.php?cmd=210&doc_category=334