No simple answer to fire document

Leading door closer manufacturer, Samuel Heath, says that whilst Approved Document B (AD B) has changed, the situation is not as straightforward as many would have us believe.

Recent amendments to Approved Document B (fire safety) of the Building Regulations have seen a number of changes introduced to this critical part of the guidelines.

Many have interpreted the amendments as being prescriptive.

However, leading door closer manufacturer, Samuel Heath, holds that whilst Approved Document B (AD B) has changed, the situation is not as straightforward as many would have us believe.

Roger Jeynes, technical director at Samuel Heath, explains, "It is with this aim of objectivity that we now find ourselves seeking to clarify further the recent amendments to Approved Document B (AD B) concerning the requirements for door closers on fire doors".

The company feels that the recent changes to AD B have created a situation that is far less clear-cut than many would believe, with the requirements for door closers in dwellings being open to some interpretation.

"It is quite obvious that every building, particularly flats and HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation), will need its fire safety requirements assessed on a case by case basis".

"In addition to a plethora of other criteria, decisions on what door closers to fit to which doors need to be made according to the building's use, and a 'one size fits all' approach to the requirement for door closers on fire doors simply will not do," continues Roger Jeynes.

In order to assist specifiers, Samuel Heath has published a document on its website outlining the changes and offering explanations for the parts of the document relating to houses, flats and residential buildings.

The document can be viewed and downloaded at www.perko-powermatic.com.

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