QLD: Why Are Deadbolts Allowed on Some Unit Doors but Not on Fire Doors?

This article discusses why deadbolts may be allowed on some unit doors but prohibited on fire doors.

Question: At our recent fire inspection and my unit fire door failed to meet standards due to a deadbolt. I have friends with deadbolts on their unit door. Do rules vary for different buildings?

I am an owner-occupier of a unit (Class 2 building) built in 1989 & have had a recent fire inspection and my unit fire door has failed to meet standards due to the presence of a deadbolt. The deadbolt was put in place 18 months ago when I moved in and the fire audit 12 months ago failed to identify it as non-compliant.

I’m confused as I have friends living in units of similar age and in units in newer buildings who have deadbolts on their unit doors that are permitted.

Is there different legislation covering different units of varying age?

Answer: Deadbolts are not permissible on fire doors. Not every unit door is a fire door.

Not every unit door is a fire door. This is depending on the building design.

Deadbolts are not permissible on fire doors. The reason is that if the deadbolt would be extruded it would prevent the fire door from fully latching, therefore placing occupants and the building at risk. The primary lockset must be an approved lock for the fire door construction. A secondary lock can be fitted providing it does not compromise the fire rafting of the door.

This post appears in Strata News #486.

Stefan Bauer
Fire Matters
E: sbauer@firematters.com.au
P: 07 3071 9088