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SBH  
#1 Posted : 30 May 2019 09:42:58(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
SBH

We are looking at putting a power operated fire curtain / shutter (roller), on an evacuation route corridor to split the corridor up at the compartmentation line, fails to safe on fire alarm activation - still two means of exit will remain. BS 9999 states that they should not be used as a means to escape if they cannot be easily opened. I would prefer fire doors but the top and bottom of those is that they will quickly get damaged even if located on mag-locks, by persons pushing trolleys etc. So the question remains are fire curtains allowed on evacuation routes

SBH

jmaclaughlin  
#2 Posted : 30 May 2019 10:02:55(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
jmaclaughlin

So if a fire breaks out in the corridor, presuambly this trips the alarm which activates the shutter.

Question is how would the person pushing the trolley get out as there is no easy means to open the shutter?

SBH  
#3 Posted : 30 May 2019 10:14:29(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
SBH

There are still two escape routes within 10 metres

SBH

Messey  
#4 Posted : 30 May 2019 18:00:04(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Messey

Its a bit tricky to visualise, but if there are sufficient means of escape from the room in question (2 within 10 m) without using the corridor where the curtain will be (is that what you are saying?), it doesnt sound like much of a problem.

As long as you are 100% sure that the means of escape from both sides of the curtain are sufficient, you need to simply 'decommission' the corridor as an escape route by removing the escape signs and training staff. Then record your FRA review with a justification for the escape route's removal

Salvar  
#5 Posted : 30 May 2019 22:10:04(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Salvar

Hello.

Following on from the previous comments, I have seen fast-action fire curtains being used in other jurisdictions (an international airport in NZ uses these.  The idea being that the curtain retracts when a button is pressed, stays open for a period (7 to 10 seconds) and then descends back into place - at a slower pace.

This approach is havily dependent on maintenance and management so, basically, the greater the departure from a simple door, the greater the requirement to demonstrate conformity to the relevant standards and the requirements of the Fire Safety Order.

 

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