5 Essential Fire Door Safety Tips

Fire doors are a vital component of a building's fire protection strategy. Designed to trap fire and smoke, they provide critical time for occupants to evacuate and for firefighters to control the blaze. However, fire doors can only fulfil their purpose if they are correctly maintained and used. Here are five essential fire door safety tips that will help ensure these life-saving features remain fully effective.

Always Keep Fire Doors Closed

One of the most important rules when it comes to fire door safety is to keep them closed at all times. Fire doors are designed to resist the spread of fire and smoke for a specified period - usually 30 minutes (FD30) or 60 minutes (FD60) - and this function is entirely dependent on the door being shut.

Propping open fire doors with wedges, furniture, or other objects defeats their purpose and poses a significant fire risk. If doors need to be held open for operational reasons, consider using fire door retainers that automatically release and close the door when a fire alarm sounds. These devices are compliant with fire safety regulations and provide a safer alternative to wedging the door open.

Inspect Fire Doors Regularly

Routine inspection of fire doors is critical to ensure they are in good working condition. Inspections should be carried out at least every six months, but in high-traffic areas, more frequent checks may be necessary. When inspecting a fire door, check for:

• Gaps: The gap between the door and the frame should be consistently 3mm along the sides and top, and no more than 8mm under the door. Larger gaps may allow smoke to pass through.

• Hinges: Make sure the door has at least three hinges, all of which should be securely fixed, undamaged, and free of rust.

• Seals: Fire doors should have intumescent seals, which expand when exposed to heat to block smoke and fire. Inspect these seals for any signs of damage.

If any faults are found, arrange for repairs immediately to maintain the door’s effectiveness.

Check the Certification

Fire doors must be certified to meet safety standards. Check that your fire doors carry the appropriate certification labels or markings, usually found on the door edge. This label verifies that the door has been tested for its fire-resistance rating. The door should also be fitted with the correct hardware, such as fire-rated hinges, latches, and door closers, which are necessary for the door to perform as intended.

Ensure Proper Door Closers Are Installed

Door closers are an essential part of fire door safety, ensuring that the door closes fully after each use. A fire door left ajar can be as ineffective as one that is propped open. Check that each fire door is equipped with a working door closer, which ensures the door closes automatically without manual intervention.

Test the door closers regularly to make sure they are functioning properly. If a fire door does not close properly, arrange for the closer to be adjusted or replaced as soon as possible.

Educate Occupants on Fire Door Safety

Everyone in the building should understand the importance of fire doors and how they contribute to overall fire safety. Educate staff, residents, or visitors about why fire doors must be kept closed, never blocked, and regularly maintained. Fire drills are a great opportunity to remind people of proper fire door use and to ensure they know the location of all fire exits.

Clear, visible signage on or near fire doors can also reinforce their importance and remind occupants to avoid propping them open or blocking escape routes.

Conclusion

Fire doors play a critical role in safeguarding lives and property by slowing the spread of fire and smoke. By following these five essential fire door safety tips - keeping doors closed, inspecting regularly, checking certification, ensuring door closers are working, and educating building occupants - you can significantly enhance fire safety in your building.

For more information on fire door safety, or to book an inspection, visit our website. Prioritising the proper use and maintenance of fire doors can make all the difference in an emergency situation.

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