Posted By Simon Micklewright
The fire alarm system in our building was recently changed, However, we have just had a fire-alarm test and discovered that the self-closures on the doors on the stairwell no longer close. I contacted the lanlord responsible for the building and was promptly told that "it wouldn't work because it was on the old system". When I told him that this puts our staff at risk as it no longer cuts off the stairwell, his response was "well, I will tell our health and safety person when he comes again". Despite my stating that this was not adequate for our offices and could I have the contractor's details to request re-connection, he was not forthcoming with the information.
Please could you advise as to what to do, if the door closures are in place should they be working?

Thanks Simon

Posted By Ken Taylor
It sounds like you have magnetic holders previously activated by the fire alarm system - but not now connected. If this is the case the system no longer meets the required standard and the holders must be reactivated or replaced by standard self-closers to protect the stairway. The fire authority can enforce this if necessary.

Posted By Ken Taylor
It's the only explanation that springs to my mind given the information that changing the fire alarm system now means that the doors no longer close. If this is so, they may be held open by the magnets by staff for ventilation or convenience of access and remain so as there is no de-activation of the holders by the new alarm system. Perhaps Simon could explain further?

Posted By Lewis T Roberts
Fire Brigade??? come on chaps up with it.

Lew

Posted By Rod Douglas
Simon,

As a stairwell is a place of "relative safety" therefore the door must close, even if the magnets on the doors were not working then the door would still close because of the self closers at the top of the door.

Your land lord is legally bound to ensure that the door closers are in good working order.

Call in your Local Fire Authority I am sure they would be only too glad to help.


Rod D

Posted By ivorfire
From the description it sounds as if the new fire alarm system has not had the automatic self closers connected into the new system.

Notify your local fire service (fire safety office) and ask them to inspect, especially as there has been changes to the fire alarm system. If need be make it a complaint. May want to also see why the fire alarm has been changed, in the first place?

If there is a fire certificate in force it will form part of the conditions of the fire cetificate, to safe gaurd the means for securing the means of escape.

It should also be dealt with under the fire risk assessment that your employer should have completed. The fire risk assessment should be suitable and sufficent and should be updated when it is considered to be no longer valid. Signifacnt findings e.g. like defective self closing devices should be addressed in a short time period. The door closures (when working) are protecting the staircase from the spread of fire & smoke. It is safe gaurding the stairs and the route from the stairs for all persons on the fllors the stairs is serving.

If the staircase is the only stairs for any part of the building, make sure this is actioned as soon as possible as it is imperative that the protection is provided.

Hope this helps.