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How do I challenge a wedged fire door while taking my neighbour's access difficulty seriously?

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My neighbour nudged a rubber wedge under the stairwell fire door and said, “Now I can get my shopping through.”

She uses a walking frame, and the heavy door in our London block is difficult for her to hold while moving through it. I had just watched her struggle. I understood the wedge immediately, which made it harder to ask her to remove it.

The [London Fire Brigade's tenant guidance](https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/the-home/fire-doors/) says a fire door needs to close fully to work and advises residents not to alter or repair it themselves. We removed the wedge together. I helped with those shopping bags, then we reported the access problem to the building manager.

The manager replied, “Please keep fire doors shut.” We already know that. My neighbour's question was how she is meant to get through this one with her shopping.

How do we get a response to the access problem rather than another reminder about the wedge? I can help when I'm there, but I can't be the plan for every time she needs to leave or come home.

Discussion

3 community replies

Reply with the unresolved question: “The wedge has been removed. Please arrange an assessment of how this resident can use the door while retaining its fire-safety function.” The manager's reminder answered the part you had already dealt with.

Ask your neighbour how she wants to be involved in that visit. She can explain where the door becomes difficult; you don't need to speak for her just because you helped carry the bags.

Don't experiment with loosening the closer. The [London Fire Brigade guidance](https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/the-home/fire-doors/) says repairs and alterations should be handled by a qualified person. A door that feels easier after an improvised change may no longer do its job.

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