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#1 Posted : 04 June 2008 12:03:00(UTC)
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Posted By Brian Murray Following advice employees have been told that fire exit doors leading onto a public footpath must remain closed. Employees complain that in hot weather they need to have the doors open for cooling air flow (air con is not an option. Security of the premises has been raised as the real issue as other fire exits are allowed to stay open. One employee has suggested that a secure mesh door could cover the fire doors and these would need to open inwards in event of evacuation. My view is that fire exits must open outwards and have no other obstructions in the way. Any views legal or otherwise?
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#2 Posted : 04 June 2008 12:32:00(UTC)
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Posted By Mitch Brian, I would say definitely open outwards, the pro's and cons of screens was discussed in some detail recently (try a quick search). I personally would question the fire doors opening onto a public footpath over which you have no control. We are currently diverting a footpath to the rear of a warehouse onto which 3 fire doors would open. We have re-engineered the building and the re-programmed the activities/storage to allow us to remove the emergency exits in question. Ventilation is provide by roof mounted fans, I am amazed at the effectiveness and can provide details off forum if you require, they also improve heating in the winter! Mitch
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#3 Posted : 04 June 2008 12:55:00(UTC)
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Posted By JimmyR How about the doors sliding sideways?
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#4 Posted : 04 June 2008 16:36:00(UTC)
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Posted By jervis In responce to fire doors sliding ones are not allowed when possible they must open out wards"!or towards main flow.
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#5 Posted : 04 June 2008 16:39:00(UTC)
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Posted By Mitch Jervis, I think the wording is 'to open in the direction of escape', same difference and I fully agree with sliding doors!!! Mitch
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#6 Posted : 04 June 2008 16:54:00(UTC)
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Posted By jervis Well spotted Mitch thanks !
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