Posted By James Putman Hello All, I have been asked to fit fire safety document cabinets within the common parts of residential buildings. The client has requested that these cabinets are fitted to the back of the doors to the electrical intake room within each block. The screws for these cabinets are around 2cm, thick, and the cabinets themselves are quite lightweight. Can anyone confirm whether this is accetpable, or whether it is likely that an inspecting fire officer would advise against it, due to a potential breach of the fire resistance of the door. Are there any specific standards for the dimensions of any screws etc which may be fitted to fire doors?

Posted By martinw 'Most other items of building hardware on the door perform a function not directly associated with its fire performance ("non-essential"), but they must in no way impede or reduce the door's ability to withstand fire attack for the specified time. This also requires careful selection. Too often, holes are drilled through timber fire doors, and large metal components are attached, with no thought as to the consequences.' The above is from http://firecode.org.uk/C...ire_and_escape_doors.pdf which is referred to specifically as a source of information in Approved Document B. It is a big document and does not specify what can and cannot be used. It says that whatever you do must not cause less fire resistance performance. Difficult to see how drilling holes, using metal screws which are conductant, will not reduce performance. Might also invalidate the fire resistance certification which came with the door until it is re-tested(may need to be - have to speak to a competent person to find out if it is required) following the fitting any of any non-essential devices being fitted. The document gives all the British and European Standards you should need. Martin

Posted By James Putman Thank you very much for your help. We will be requesting Asbestos Surveys prior to any works commencing. However, after giving this some thought I think an alternative location will be more appropriate. One other question: Does anyone know the fire resistance standard to which communal doors within council blocks of flats were built to if they were constructed around the 1960's? Was it still 30 minutes fire resistant? Thanks in advance