Fire Doors Are The First Line Of Defence

Fire doors are the first line of defence in the event of a fire breaking out, designed to save lives and protect property, and yet despite the clear potential risks, fire doors are an area that is frequently neglected in both residential and commercial properties.

It is essential for a fire door to play its role efficiently in terms of fire safety within a buildings fire protection system, but this can only happen providing:

• Careful attention has been applied to ensure that the specification of fire door and all related hardware is correct for the situation.

• The fitting of this fire safety equipment has been carried out professionally.

• The fire door has not been tampered with or obstructed in any way.

• Regular inspections are carried out to ensure that the fire door is undamaged and fit for purpose.

It is very easy to overlook this issue, particularly if you are running a business and have multiple demands on your time and finances. However, when you consider the unpleasant truth that one small error could at the very least render your fire door completely ineffective and at worst result in a fatality, this is clearly not an area to be complacent about. Place signage on or next to exits, remind people of the risks and reinforce the importance of adherence to the fire safety regulations that are there to protect life and limb.

Clear Signage & Compliance

Perhaps the most common reason for fire doors to fail in the event of a fire breaking out is the presence of an obstruction. In residential situations, heavy fire doors are often propped open with heavy items or a door stop to allow occupants to move in and out of the building freely, even when their hands are full with bags of shopping or a pushchair.

In commercial buildings – and particularly older buildings, which are less likely to be fitted with up to date technologies such as electromagnetic door closers and such like, a propped open fire door is a common sight. A fire door may be propped open as a temporary measure to allow for a delivery or to increase the air flow on a hot sunny day, but this immediately and significantly compromises the safety of the occupants of the building and of course the property itself.

The thought of a door that would have otherwise been fully operational, if only it had not been propped open innocently by an occupant of the building or a visitor, truly does not bear thinking about.  

Correct Specification & Fitting Of The Entire Unit

It is not just the door itself that must be focussed on here. Your fire exits need to be considered as a complete unit, as each of the smaller components is critical to the efficiency of the unit.

Take intumescent fire seals for example. These seals bridge the gaps around the door playing a vital role in its ability to operate effectively. A poor quality, worn or badly fitted seal could render the entire unit completely ineffective.

Periodic Maintenance Checks – Inspections

Maintenance checks should be carried out annually as an absolute minimum. These inspections are extremely important, as without them, issues with wear and tear or damage will in all likelihood go unnoticed.

When was the last time the fire doors on your building were inspected? Are you confident that they are fit for purpose? If not, take action today to put this right – the risks are simply not worth cutting any corners.