Self-closing device for doors
According to Approved Document B of the Building Regulations 'Fire Safety', a self-closing device is:
|
A device that closes a door, when open at any angle, against a door frame. NOTE: If the door is in a cavity barrier, rising butt hinges (which are different from the self-closing device mentioned above) are acceptable. |
Fire doors serving an attached or integral garage to a dwellinghouse should be fitted with a self-closing device. Other fire doors in a dwellinghouse need not be provided with self-closing devices.
There are a number of circumstances where buildings other than dwellinghouses should have fire doors fitted with self-closing devices, such as; dead end portions of common corridors, a common corridor that connects two or more storey exits, common corridors more than 12m long that connect two or more storey exits, doors giving access to external escape stairs and so on.
However, where these might present an obstacle to occupants, such as within normal circulation spaces, or giving access to bedrooms, alternatives might be considered, such as fire-swing door closers or hold-open devices. This is because self-closing devices might be rendered ineffective by constant use, or might be wedged open or removed.
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