Hi Denis and List Members:
OSHA requires approved, self-closing fire doors in protected corridors. They
must provide 1-hour fire resistance in 3 stories or less and 2-hour fire
resistance when the exit connects 4 or more stories. Check out the OSHA web
site (specifically -
http://www.osha-slc.gov/OshStd_toc/OSHA_Std_toc_1910_SUBPART_E.html) and
look up 29 CFR 1910.37(b)(3). You can find almost anything you need in 29
CFR 1910, if you look hard enough ! You can use it even if you are not an
"OSHA state". If you have employees in the dorm, it should still apply.

However, enforcement of keeping the doors closed is another matter ......
we don't do much of that. Most of our older dorms do not have automatic door
closers on each door, but the newer ones do. Also, one-piece (piano) hinges
and heavier duty closers (worth the extra cost) help with reducing damage.

Thanks
David Chaplin, CFPS


At 12:04 PM 1/31/00 -0500, you wrote:
>The State of Michigan just passed new fire regulations which will
>require automatic door closures on all student room door per the Life
>Safety Code-Hotel Motel Section. This has not been well received by our
>dorm administration and advisory staff. They are concerned about
>maintenance, enforcement and the ability to create the "open" friendly
>living style on the student floors. My questions are: Who has installed
>door closures? What type has worked? What kind of
>damage/compliance?Difficulty in enforcement?Have they helped in any fire
>situation? Any feedback would be helpful.
>
>Denis Zietlow
>Fire Marshal
>Michigan State University
>[log in to unmask]
>

*****************************************************************
David Chaplin, CFPS
University Fire Inspector
Virginia Tech -- Environmental Health & Safety Services
459 Tech Center Drive,  Blacksburg,  VA   24061
Office:  540-231-2341 / 231-5985         FAX:  231-3944
http://www.ehss.vt.edu
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