Posted By Nina Hi there, Both of our fire exit doors open inwards, we have a max number of 10 staff at anyone time in the office, and the big fire exit in the main office is made up of double doors that are unlocked all day, and go out into a big garden, with plenty of room surrounding it inside. Do we need to change them to open outwards? thanks

Posted By S P Walsh I agree with the points made earlier. However to answer the thrust of your question the Building Regulations allow a fire door to open inwards if there are no more than 50 persons likely to use it during a fire evacuation. You must assume that your largest exit will be affected by the fire and may not be available for use. However the reference to the large garden does concern me. I am assuming that the garden is your evacuation point to allow a roll call to be taken? If so there should be the ability to exit the garden in the event of a fire at the direction of the fire service if they deem the evacuation point to be in a dangerous location.

Posted By jackw. Hi, in general doors should open in the direction of exit. However, this is not in tablets of stone. If a case can be made for them to open inwards then it is ok to do that. e.g. where they open to a ramp in a tight area and it would be easier for the wheelchair user to negotiate onto the ramp then they can open inwards. Can I ask were the "50 people" exiting came from as I have never seen this figure in any regs? Re the garden, I would be concerned if this was enclosed with no way to exit and get a safe distance away from the building if a fire really took hold..e.g radiant heat, flying glass etc. In essence you need to complete a fire risk assessment. If you don't feel competent or comfortable doing so then get outside assistance. You may also find your local fire service fire safety officer a source of advice. hope this helps

Posted By shaun mckeever The "50" people comes from section 6.14 of Aproved document 'B' of the building regs and is actually 60 people.

Posted By shaun mckeever The appropriate section i Building Regs is repeated below. Direction of opening 6.14 The door of any doorway or exit should, if reasonably practicable, be hung to open in the direction of escape, and should always do so if the number of persons that might be expected to use the door at the time of a fire is more than 60. Note: With respect to industrial activities where there is a very high fire risk with potential for rapid fire growth, there will be a requirement for the door to open in the direction of escape for lower numbers than 60. I think the statement 'if reasonably practicable' should apply wherever the situation. It is no good having the door open outwards if it is likely to block a passage or smack someone in the face.