Fire regulations: "thumbturn" locks?

[James Holmes]

Hi,

I've seen "europrofile thumbturn locks" which allow tennants to escape their rooms without a key (even if the doors were locked from the outside).

However, are these slightly different lock types okay? They seem to do the same thing but i'm not sure if they meet the regulations... http://www.wickes.co.uk/Entrance-Lock-Set/invt/521031

Also, what can I use for the MAIN property front door which requires added security in the form of a 5 lever mortice or equivalent. I guess thumbturn locks do not work on these higher level security doors? - can anyone link me an example of something they might use?

I would appreciate any help

Regards

[tom999]

If you mean to comply with HMO (fire safety) regulations:

Exact specifications would depend on your local authority (contact them to discuss - can be very helpful...)
I have used these Thumbturn-Euro-Cylinders (http://www.screwfix.com/cats/A358163/Security/Euro-Cylinder-Locks/Thumbturn-Euro-Cylinders). Very easy to replace. You will need to check the length.
May have been better to post in the relevant section: 'HMO - Multi Occupation Questions' or 'Safety: HHSRS, Fire Risk, Gas & Elec.'

My local authority requires that tenant's room's and main door (fire exit) to have these (2), otherwise there are fire safety issues.

[James Holmes]

Thanks Tom. I keep forgetting about the HMO and Fire safety forums (sorry mods, please transfer across if possible...)

Thanks for the link. I think i'll go with these to be safe and having checked with Local Authority.

One last question... which of these is best for a main front property door, bearing in mind the additional secuirty requried?

Regards

[tom999]

One last question... which of these is best for a main front property door, bearing in mind the additional secuirty* requried?
As mentioned above, main front door (for my local authority - LA) needs to be thumbturn as well, i.e. lockable from outside, but thumbturn on inside, which in case of a fire, would mean easy fire exit for tenants. (Cannot be mortice lock as this requires a key, which may not be available in an emergency)

* Understand your security concerns, but this is what LA required.

[ah84]

The wickes lock looks a bit flimsy and I fear you might have tenants having the lock break on them. I would also go with the euro thumbturn.

I use mul-t-lock where the cylinder is around 35quid, but i have a master key system and tenants cannot copy key without me giving the code so it is quite a good system. Locks are supposedly meant to be more secure.

Obviously there is the insurance question, but I guess fire safety comes first.

[James Holmes]

I saw some... rubbish. Thanks for the warning. I'm going to go for the Euro ones! and not reinvent the wheel :)