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Fire Door Closure causing issue for Frail Tenants in Sheltered Housing
Rank: Forum user
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Would someone be able to advise on a situation we have with a very frail tenant who have difficulty opening the fire door due to the closure mechanism proposed for their front door. The tenant does wander in the night and there is a worry that they could injure themselves trying to open the door to get out (They may not even be able to actually open them and risk being stuck in there) Where do we stand as following the risk assessment it has been deemed fire more of a risk rather than the risk of being trapped or 'confined'. Has anyone advice on any other suitable mechanisms or solutions?
The tenant is currently in a one bed flat and their front door opens into a communal corridoor. We have a stay put policy in place and there has already been an incident in the complex. Hence reviewing the current risk assessment and procedures in place!
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Rank: Super forum user
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Can't remember the force required for closerrs off the top of my head but there are variable devices on the market that can be adjusted to suit AND still close the door.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Can you not install the devices that hold doors in the open position and close on operation of the audible fire warning system?
It sound like there would be a good standard AFD system already in place?
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Rank: Super forum user
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As far as I can remember, self closers have to have a minimum 30N opening resistance. (I am sure I will be corrected if that's not the case)
Often in care homes and similar establishments, even 30N is too great for the resident to manage, especially for commonly used doors such as bedroom doors used by the elderly or disabled.
In these cases, it may be possible (subject to a risk assessment*) to install “swing free” devices.
These are self closing devices that freely swing and operate as 'normal doors' until the fire alarm sounds where they will automatically change to a self closing mode. They should be CE marked to BS EN 1155.
* The assessment to see if their use is suitable should consider the individual's mobility needs (when referring to a bedroom), the emergency procedures in place, and the suitability of the fire alarm system in terms of detection coverage and it's ability to operate a number of these door devices.
Following the Rosepark fire in Scotland, the inquiry seemed to oppose such devices as they can allow the bedroom door to be left partially open at night I am not sure what the latest/current thinking is as I no longer deal with resi care premises. (Thank goodness!!)
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Rank: New forum user
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Hi,
just picked up on your thread, I work for a medium sized housing association and have had very similar issues, I’m afraid that I don’t have an answer in regards to the issue with the door. But would be more interested about the ‘stay put policy’ I would be really interested to know what county you are in and if the local area fire brigade support your policy.
Please feel free to call me on 01228635503 to discuss further.
Kind Regards
Mart
PS Please have patience, first time on the discussion forum.
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Rank: Super forum user
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I thought it may have been in here:
https://www.gov.uk/gover...sra-residential-care.pdf
Page 122 - does go into door closures but nothing about strength and pressure.
p.s. it does mention swing free although no good for frail people apparently as it may injury them!
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Rank: Super forum user
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Mr.Flibble wrote:
p.s. it does mention swing free although no good for frail people apparently as it may injury them!
Mr Fibble - are you a tabloid journalist are you, as that statement is not exactly a true reflection of the guidance contained in the note is it? After all, 'Free Swing' devices were designed for this type of premises.
What the guidance actually says is:
"Free swing devices may not be suitable in some situations, such as corridors, where draughts are a problem and the doors are likely to swing uncontrolled, causing possible difficulty or injury to certain people e.g. those with certain disabilities, the elderly and frail, or young children."
I would suggest that "not suitable in some situations' is NOT the same as 'no good for frail people' as you advise.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Potato, potahto, tomato, tomahto!
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Rank: Forum user
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Martin Hartley 96 wrote:Hi,
just picked up on your thread, I work for a medium sized housing association and have had very similar issues, I’m afraid that I don’t have an answer in regards to the issue with the door. But would be more interested about the ‘stay put policy’ I would be really interested to know what county you are in and if the local area fire brigade support your policy.
Please feel free to call me on 01228635503 to discuss further.
Kind Regards
Mart
Martin - sorry I haven't contacted you but thought this might be useful? http://www.insidehousing...y-put-policy?/811.thread
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Rank: Super forum user
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It may be worth doing a search on BSEN1154 which is the standard for controlled door closing devices. The Association of Building Hardware Manufacturers did a best practice guide which goes in to some detail on the matter of doors and closing devices. Hope this helps
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Rank: New forum user
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Hi Lishka0,
Sorry for the delay, been away for a few days.
Thanks for the info.
Kind Regards
Martin
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Rank: Super forum user
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Building Regs part L document requires a maximum 20Newton push or pull on any access or internal route door!!! Sounds like a BR issue to me especially if installed recently.
Bob
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Fire Door Closure causing issue for Frail Tenants in Sheltered Housing
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