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BuzzLightyear  
#1 Posted : 17 May 2010 12:45:15(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
BuzzLightyear

Can anyone tell me when Building Regulations made intumescent strips and smoke seals compulsory on fire doors in new builds? I am looking at a supported living scheme for three preople with learning disabilities. It has three flats - one each floor. Each flat has a fire door with self closers but no smoke seals or intumescent strips. The house was built in 1997. Does anyone know if intumescent strips and/or smoke seals would have been required in 1997? Also can anyone tell me if this would be a retrospective requirement - to get the doors altered.
Thanks
MEden380  
#2 Posted : 17 May 2010 13:46:02(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
MEden380

Buzz
A lot depends on what type of door is fitted and what was specified at the time of construction
For a door to be classed as afire door it should have some form of certification or markingt o indicate it has fire resistance and that it's design has been tested to BS 476-22 : 1987
As for cold smoke seals this would have been spesified by the original design, although they can be fitted retrospectavely as can intumescent seals.
If you go to http://www.communities.gov.uk/corporate/ and follow the links for planing you can obtain a copy of Part B Document relating to fire safety in both sleeping and non sleeping premises that gives all the relevent British Standards and requirements, you will need to look at the pre 2006 Part B document
BuzzLightyear  
#3 Posted : 18 May 2010 10:03:44(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
BuzzLightyear

Thanks MEden380. I'll follow the links. This is very helpful.
I spoke to the local fire officer yesterday and he said that smoke seals may be counterproductive if they prevent some smoke getting into the escape stairwell and setting off the alarm. Although this depends on whether the ones insides the flats are interlinked- so that is one of my next tasks to find out.
buzzz  
#4 Posted : 18 May 2010 14:31:08(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
buzzz

MEden - if the door was fitted prior to 1987 (as per BS 476-22 you mention) then will it still be classed as a fire door? If not, then is there a need to change the door if the door was part of a building that passed the bld reg requirements at that time? Especially if you have additional controls in place such as AFD?
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