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Rowlatt22847  
#1 Posted : 15 March 2019 07:46:03(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Rowlatt22847

I was wondering if someone with fire safety knowledge could assist although,I feel I know the answer but could do with someone directing me to some regulations I could quote to mgt.

At our premises with have fire doors that lead to an external garden area. The fire doors are glass but at times the room needs to be made dark. We are having new blinds being fitted throughout the building but on these fire doors I would say no due to them blocking the means of escape. I know fire doors can be purchased with internal blinds but the land lord is not willing to do this. Currently, we have curtains at the doors that are used to block out the light in the room that have the correct fire rating etc.. I know this will be reflected in the fire risk assessment completed by a specialist but can someone advise: -

Question: -
1. Is it acceptable to have curtains at the doors as I can not locate any regs?
2. Do you know any regulations that quote curtains on fire doors and the general standard (rails, viz of signage, height of floor)? - I think cinemas have curtain across for doors.
3. Do you know the regs or standard for the curtains?
4. Any general thoughts.

Thks
CptBeaky  
#2 Posted : 15 March 2019 10:14:31(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
CptBeaky

Sorry I can't help, but I would suggest you clarify whether these fire doors are fire exits or not, it might make a difference. It seems by your wording that they are.

thanks 1 user thanked CptBeaky for this useful post.
Rowlatt22847 on 15/03/2019(UTC)
Rowlatt22847  
#3 Posted : 15 March 2019 10:17:25(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Rowlatt22847

Apologies - yes they are Fire Exits leading to the outside environment.

Messey  
#4 Posted : 15 March 2019 11:48:05(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Messey

Curtains are permitted in lower risk premises such as were the occupants are familair with the premises and/or there are not many people expected to use the final exit and a rapid evacuation isnt anticipated (rapid fire growth). Curtains should part easily and not be a problem for disabled persons. Fire exit signs must not be obstructed 

Article 14(2) of the Fire Safety Order  2005 states:

2) The following requirements must be complied with in respect of premises where necessary (whether due to the features of the premises, the activity carried on there, any hazard present or any other relevant circumstances) in order to safeguard the safety of relevant persons—

(a) emergency routes and exits must lead as directly as possible to a place of safety;

(b) in the event of danger, it must be possible for persons to evacuate the premises as quickly and as safely as possible;

Its the where necessary part that allows rsik assessed solutions to be adopted. So curtains at low risk premises are possible

thanks 2 users thanked Messey for this useful post.
Rowlatt22847 on 15/03/2019(UTC), jwk on 15/03/2019(UTC)
Rowlatt22847  
#5 Posted : 15 March 2019 13:49:34(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Rowlatt22847

Thank you very much for the response this is most useful. Have a good weekend.

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