Although this latest determination was with regards to having self closing fire doors, the judge ruled that, though the doors should be self closing, the doors are likely to become wedged and as such they also require hold open devices. Put simply, this means that, if fire doors are to be held open, this has to done using a hold open device that is linked to the building's fire detection system and will automatically allow the door to close should there be a fire emergency.

Fireco's Commercial Director Tom Welland says that it's vital all owners and operators of care homes are aware of this important ruling as it underlines the dangers of wedging open fire doors and, in particular, those of resident's rooms. Quite clearly enforcement officers will take a very dim view of any care home that continues with this dangerous practice. Using staff to ensure doors are closed in an emergency situation is not an action that can be relied upon so automatic devices must be used.

This ruling follows the recently published fatal accident inquiry report into the fire at Rosepark care home in Uddingston, Lanarkshire, that claimed the lives of 14 residents, which included an important conclusion that, 'A competent risk assessor experienced in fire safety, addressing the position at Rosepark, would have recommended the installation of self-closers (swing free, Dorgard or other similar devices) on bedroom doors as a matter of urgency…'