Fire door regulations in flats in the UK are governed by the Building Regulations and fire safety legislation, primarily the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO). The regulations specify that flat entrance doors and doors leading to stairwells or other escape roots in communal corridors needs to be fire doors.
We have set out some important facts below:
1. Where Fire Doors are Required
Flat Entrances: Fire doors are required for entrance doors to individual flats from common areas (like hallways) in multi-story buildings. This helps contain fire within a flat and delays it spreading into shared spaces.
Internal Doors in Flats: If the flat has two or more floors, internal fire doors may be required, especially if there’s a shared stairway.
Communal Areas: Doors leading to stairwells or other escape routes in communal areas are often required to be fire doors to ensure safe egress.
2. Fire Door Standards
Fire Resistance: Fire doors in flats should typically be FD30 rated, meaning they offer at least 30 minutes of fire resistance.
Smoke Seals: Fire doors must include intumescent strips and cold smoke seals, which help prevent smoke from spreading.
Self-Closing Mechanism: Fire doors in communal areas and flat entrances usually need to have a self-closing device so that they close automatically in case of a fire.
3. Maintenance and Inspections
Regular Checks: Building owners or managing agents are responsible for ensuring that fire doors are in good working order, particularly in communal areas. These checks should verify that self-closing devices work and that doors haven’t been tampered with.
Tenants’ Role: Tenants should not alter fire doors or disable self-closing mechanisms, as this compromises fire safety.
If you’re managing or living in a flat, it’s essential to adhere to these regulations to ensure the safety of all residents.