Question: Who is responsible for replacing our fire door if it fails a fire audit?
The entry door to our apartment is a fire door. I don’t believe it is compliant with fire door regulations for NSW. The gaps around the doors are too wide / there is a peephole.
Who is responsible for replacing this if it fails a fire audit? The strata of the owner?
Answer: Apartment fire doors are the property of the strata plan.
Apartment fire doors are the property of the strata plan. While lot owners have a right to secure their property (fit locks, etc), they cannot do so if it impacts compliance of the fire door.
Non-compliance as identified in inspection, testing or audit, unless caused by the lot owner (e.g. fitting non-compliant locks or plastic peepholes) is strata’s responsibility.
Expand on the specific subject matter:
- Gaps in accordance with AS1905.1 are generally average of <3mm between door & frame on sides & head & <10mm at bottom (this can vary based on door brand, core & tested sample)
- Peepholes can be compliant or non-compliant. Depends on the model & what has been tested with that door model. Generally – 10mm or less penetration & metal construction is often acceptable.
This post appears in Strata News #474.
Rob Broadhead 2020 Fire Protection E: rob.broadhead@2020fire.com.au P: 1300 340 210