Lift-off Hinges – a refresher guide.
To lift-off or not to lift-off?
Lift-off hinges are a type of hinge made up of two parts which allow door removal without the need to open the door.
Building codes in Australia require that in an emergency, a toilet door can be removed by a person standing on the outside of the toilet.
In most cases, toilet doors must swing in an outward direction; be a sliding door or be removable, easily, from the outside of the compartment.
This requirement only applies if the distance between the toilet pan (Water closet, W/C) and the door is less than 1200mm (1.2 metres).
A toilet door that swings in, fitted with lift-off hinges, will, in a typical scenario, have a gap between the top edge of the door leaf and the under-side (reveal)of the head of the door frame (jamb).
This is to allow adequate movement upward so the pin in the door hinges can be removed out of the hinge-blades fixed to the side of the door frame or stile.
The National Construction Code requirements for the construction of sanitary compartments requires the following:
Clause 3.8.3.3 Construction of sanitary compartments
The door to a fully enclosed sanitary compartment must:
(a) open outwards; or
(b) slide; or
(c) be readily removable from the outside of the compartment,
Explanatory information:
3.8.3.3 requires means of removing an unconscious occupant from a fully enclosed sanitary compartment. If the enclosure has gaps that are large enough to allow access for a person into the sanitary compartment, the compartment is not considered enclosed for the purpose of this clause.
Anatomy of a Lift-Off Hinge
The above is a general guideline. Each situation is different, and, we recommend that you check with your certifier and the relevant applicable codes at the time of construction whether lift-off hinges are required and if they will meet your specific requirements.
In addition to specific code and other regulatory requirements, the type of door-construction that you select will also impact your available choice of hinges.
For further assistance, please email us on sales@radiantenterprise.com.au or call us on +61 (02) 8796 4444.
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