Rank: Forum user 
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I have a query regarding the locking of a door on a fire escape route. This route would be the secondary escape if the main entrance and habitual escape route were unavailable.
This route is via a small passage/store that has a locked sliding door at one end and a push bar door at the other. Previously this was a wall which was altered to add the door with the push bar. They are not considered to be fire doors per se but for security of the store content.
The sliding door has a key provided in a break glass case with a mallet attached. The store contains confidential paperwork in filing cabinets along one wall (apparently these are not locked). To use this route staff break the glass to access the key, walk along the very short passage (about 8 paces) and operate a push bar on the door the other end to escape into a corridor leading to the final exit.
My query is the sliding door is kept locked to protect the contents even though the store is off a tiny lobby that has a security pad access code, known to a very few people.
Before Christmas we had a fire drill using artificial smoke and the staff using this escape route were delayed as they couldn’t find the key hole in the dark (the emergency light fitting is the other side of this lobby) and appeared reticent to break the glass to access the key.
Following this drill I recommended that as this was their primary escape route (and the area was limited authorised persons only) the door should not be locked and the paperwork would still be secure.
My query is should a door like this be locked? I think I know the answer but would like some reassurance either way.
Thank you
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Rank: Super forum user 
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If I was fire risk assessing this part of the escape route I would recommend one or two changes.
A sliding door is not acceptable as a fire exit and especially one that is locked. A key in a break glass case is also not acceptable as there is no guarantee that the key will always be there and if it is - is it the correct key?
Fumbling around looking for a key to open a fire exit is a no no.
Further the storage along the fire escape route would also be unacceptable as there is a chance it will get involved in fire and block the escape route.
All in all you should perhaps change the door to a hinged type, with push bar (panic bolt) and either remove the storage or use a fire resistant type of cabinet as long as it does not narrow the route to the door.
How about the lighting in that area?
Sorry to be negative but I believe I am right.
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Rank: Forum user
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I can only agree with everything Chris says.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Please dont take this the wrong way. The fire risk assessment is nothing to do with the type of door used in these circumstances as long as the door allows egress it is all that is required. You say this is not the final door in the escape route, so needs to be easily opened as it is part of the route. The use of sliding doors is to be avoided wherever possible and if someone has to fumble round to find the key and then operate the lock this is an obstruction that prevents escape so ChrisBurns is right on that score. The fact that the escape route is via a secure location causes me some concern in the first place and I therefore support what Chris has siad by advising you to remove the storage area completely thus leaving the need for any type of locked door within the escape route.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Have you read the The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005? I only ask this because unsure if you are H&S or not. Just a couple of points from Article 14 Emergency routes and exits (2)(b) in the event of danger, it must be possible for persons to evacute the premises as quickly as possible, therefore if they have to fiddle around looking for a key this is not possible, as was proved by your fire drill. (c) talks about the dimensions with regards to numbers. (e) states sliding or revolving doors must not be used for exits specifically intended as emergency exits.
It's worth taking a look for yourself.
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Rank: Super forum user
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farrell wrote:Have you read the The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005? I only ask this because unsure if you are H&S or not. Just a couple of points from Article 14 Emergency routes and exits (2)(b) in the event of danger, it must be possible for persons to evacute the premises as quickly as possible, therefore if they have to fiddle around looking for a key this is not possible, as was proved by your fire drill. (c) talks about the dimensions with regards to numbers. (e) states sliding or revolving doors must not be used for exits specifically intended as emergency exits.
It's worth taking a look for yourself. Also thought on (f) emgency doors must not be locked and although the sliding door is not the final door this is the only way to reach it so therefore it should not be locked.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Agree with all that has gone before. Should the management insist that the door remains locked then go for a plastic breakbar which snaps and releases the sprung bolt. No key fumbling, but your company MUST change to a hinged door for RRFSO compliance.
Badger
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks for reassuring me I am not completely potty. I merely sought confirmation that my initial thoughts were right and you have clarified that for me.
Many thanks
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