Posted By Brian S I recently inspected a premises and one of the fire doors took 1 minute and 10 seconds to close over. All other fire doors closed within a few seconds. However, not being sure if the self closer was faulty or not (seems to be the case) I was then asked if there was a time limit for the fire doors to close over but I wasnt aware of any time limit. I have since had a look for this info and cannot seem to find any guidance on this matter. Any help would be much appreciated and thanks in advance, B

Posted By Martin J Morley Brian, I don't think that there is 'a time limit' but there is/are British Standard(s) for door closers. You don't give details of the door, whether internal or external, or type of closer; manual or powered. These factors have a significant impact on the operation, especially the powered ones now being installed 'under DDA.' The manufacturers of the door closers will usually publish a minimum figure, 5 seconds for manual ones I recently was involved with. The longer external doors take to close, the more chance there is of them being affected by windy conditions. It is certainly expected that the closers in a single premise should be adjusted to provide similar closing times. martin

Posted By Messy Shaw I am not aware of any set time for door closers but I would argue does there need to be? As far as I am concerned,(and without knowledge of a benchmark)surely it's all part of assessing the risk in the specific circumstances. I would agree that 1 min+ seems to be a rather long time, but perhaps if there are expected to be disabled or frail people passing through, it might no be long enough. Only you will know if it's acceptable taking into account all circumstances present I too would be interested if anyone knows of any 'benchmark' guidance which is available out there

Posted By martinw Folks, found this BS EN 1154 permits delayed action closers to be used on fireresisting door assemblies but it is important that any delay set is no more than that required for its use (e.g. for the easy passage of elderly or disabled persons), and is not more than 25 seconds. at bottom of page 31 in this http://firecode.org.uk/C...ire_and_escape_doors.pdf Well worth a read Martin

Posted By martinw No worries normally me asking the FFs for info, nice to give something back Martin

Posted By Rosemary Pocock I am a wheelchair user and often encounter doors with very heavy door closures fitted, so heavy that the door cannot be held open to go through and if there are double doors its totally impossible particulary so if opening towards me so having to reverse and then on a slope in some instances with a door mat to lose all ability to steer, my assistance dog can't help with door which have door closures, other than bark on command to get help. It is terrifying being trapped in this way and so dependant on others. When I asked the fire brigade if there was a standard weight or reason for door closure to be so heavy that they were impossible to be held open to go through them. The fire bridges answer is that there is no reason for the door to be heavy at all, only that in the event of a fire the doors close, so in fact doors in hotels corridors should be held open electrically to allow access, trapping people is not the intention. Recently Oxford City Council have fitted high security doors to their social housing requiring the strength of both arms for the fit and able so not possible to go in or out while carrying something be it a child or shopping, this also prevents the elderly, disabled residents to access or egress there properties, diminishing life chances in day to day social interactions and not good should there be a fire. I have raised it with Oxford additionally the windows require special extraordinary powers to open and Oxford will not remove the restrictors as its a safety and security issue. What are the panels thoughts on this and is this standard practice nationally?