Can anybody help with a clear pointer around terminology please? The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states: “Sliding or revolving doors must be not be used for exits specifically designated as emergency exits.” To me this means that a manually operated sliding door should not be a signed fire exit door as part of a fire escape route. Another person claims it means that if a manual sliding door is used for general access then it is not specifically (only) designed for use as an emergency exit it can be used as a dedicated fire escape door? I belive my opinion is safer, but the other persons is much, much cheaper. Incidentally the door inquestion is a second option fire escape route in a cafe, the first route being the normal entry/exit through automatic sliding doors which fail to satefy (open) and open on fire alarm sounding.

I would like to add caution when referring the the RRO when it uses the word 'must'. Looking again at Article 14(2) (you refer to Article 14(2)(e)), The Order states: (2) The following requirements must be complied with in respect of premises where necessary (whether due to the features of the premises, the activity carried on there, any hazard present or any other relevant circumstances) in order to safeguard the safety of relevant persons. Note the words 'where necessary' and the advice to what that means which is provided in the brackets. In practice, the risk assessment will provide the answer whether sliding doors are suitable. It might be acceptable on low risk/low traffic situations. Below are two examples I have dealt with. 1) A chemist shop with a sliding door to the car park at the rear. The maximum occupancy of the shop when busy would be 15 at most, and although there was no AFD, there was a green box break glass override fitted to open the door if it failed. Indeed, it was possible to manually open the doors by pulling them apart. This was assessed as acceptable 2) A basement staff restaurant with covers for 350+ persons. A sliding door was not a designated fire exit, neither was it signed as such. However, as this was the sole usual exit by customers and taking into account the large numbers of persons who may arrive simultaneously at this door, it was assessed as unsuitable and removed/replaced So considering the term 'where necessary' is the key, rather than focussing on the scattering of misleading 'musts' throughout the Order