Do Fire Doors need to be Self Closing?
According to Approved Document B of the Building Regulations (ADB), a self-closing device is:
“A device that closes a door, when open at any angle, against a door frame.”
A self-closing device should reliably close the door leaf tight against the door stop, or into its frame, from any openable angle and be able to overcome resistance from any fitted latch or seals. The self-closing device should allow for ease of use for those using the door in compliance with Part M of the Building Regulations.
Do all fire doors need to be self-closing?
The short answer is no, but how do we determine what does and does not require a self-closing device? According to ADB volume 2, a self-closing device is required on a fire door if:
- subdividing escape routes to separate two or more storey exits
- subdividing corridors every 12m in length
- subdividing a dead-end condition in a common corridor exceeding 4.5m in length
- protecting a staircase enclosure from a circulation space
- doors open onto external escape stairs
In ‘residential’ type buildings (care homes, hotels, student accommodation etc.), all fire doors should be fitted with a self-closing device, other than those providing access to cleaner cupboards, plant and other high fire risk spaces and service risers, which should be kept closed and generally locked when not in immediate use. Buildings housing flats will also require self-closing devices fitted to the front door of each flat, separating the flat entrance from the communal areas.
More fire safety advice details from FPA.