UPVC doors in flats

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The Problem

A client recently had a fire in a block of flats. The front door of the flat had been replaced with a non-compliant uPVC door. It melted and distorted. The occupants could not get out and fumes escaped to other parts of the building. Thankfully there was no fatality but there was serious injury.

Front doors of flats require 30 minute fire-resistance (FD30 standard).

We have spoken to a number of fire authorities. They say it would be difficult to enforce the replacement of all doors that are not 30 minute fire-resistant. However, the fire authority for the burned-out flat have insisted that all the uPVC front doors in the development are replaced with fire-resisting doors.

Part of the enforcement problem is that the fire legislation applies to common areas of flats and maisonettes and flat-occupiers may argue that their front doors are not part of the common areas. It is building regulations that dictate 30 minute fire-resistant doors in new flats.

For more information about fire resistant doors click here: http://www.firesafe.org.uk/html/fsequip/firedoor.htm

A Way Forward

In the light of this fire, we are encouraging clients to have non-fire-resistant uPVC front doors of flats replaced with 30 minute fire-resisting doors (FD30 standard) and, if they are not already in place, ensure that detection alarm systems are in place if unsatisfactory doors are to remain for any length of time. So, we would encourage the following:

STEP 1 - Where non-compliant uPVC doors are identified or suspected we suggest you download a draft addendum to the Fire Risk Assessment (by clicking on the "uPVC Addendum to Fire Risk" button above - or contact us if you need it in a format other than PDF or Word) and place it at the front of the site Fire Risk Assessment report.

STEP 2 - We suggest that you write to the flat dwellers with non-compliant doors and ask that they be replaced and, if detection alarm systems are not already in place in the common parts, point out that they should be installed in the common parts if the offending doors are not replaced.

STEP 3 - Progress and follow through...

STEP 4 - Consider advising all flat dwellers that front doors should not be replaced except by properly fitted FD30 standard doors.

This is our suggestion and intended to be helpful. Each Fire Risk Assessment has to be based on the circumstances on the individual site and how risks can best be mitigated on that site; we accept that you may assess the situation and decide not to take this action.

uPVC Front Doors in Flats

Hazard Alert