Oct 1st, 2025
3 mins
We recently received a member query on direction of opening for fire doors and final exits, our member company was struggling to find any information. The answer to this query is found within the HM Government Approved Document B
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-approved-document-b
Approved documents are approved by the Secretary of State and give practical guidance on common building situations about how to meet the requirements of the Building Regulations 2010 for England.
Different approved documents give guidance on each of the technical parts of the regulations. These are all listed in the back of the approved documents. In addition to guidance, some approved documents include provisions that must be followed exactly, as required by regulations or where methods of test or calculation are approved by the Secretary of State.
Direction of opening
In section 5.11 of the approved document the direction of opening is discussed, this states:
The door of any doorway or exit should be hung to open in the direction of escape whenever reasonably practicable. It should always be hung to open in the direction of escape if either of the following conditions applies:
- More than 60 people might be expected to use it during a fire.
- There is a very high risk of fire with potential for rapid fire growth, such as with some industrial activities.
Please don’t forget, as a member of BFFF we can answer all of your queries on Health & Safety and Fire Safety, to raise a query simply contact simonbrentnall@bfff.co.uk
