Fire Door Advice
Fire doors are vital in ensuring the safety of all occupants, guests and staff members of a building in the event of a fire. However, as these doors are so important, there are rules that must be followed in order to ensure they are operating properly at all times, and they can continue to function as a key safety device. Here, we will look at some of the main factors in keeping a fire door in working order.
Ensure the fire door shuts tightly using its own Self Closing mechanism
The last thing you want to worry about when trying to evacuate a fire emergency situation is to close the door because it won’t do it automatically. Fire doors can be heavy, and attempting to close these can slow down any evacuation process.
Wedge the door open
This is classed as interfering with safety equipment, and it is an offence to do so. The only things that may hold open a fire door are Approved Devices that comply with BS5839.
Ensure that the door does not close too quickly
The Self Closing action should be the right speed: not too slow, but not so fast that it may shut before someone can get out, or injure themselves. The Self Closing mechanism can be adjusted as necessary.
The door must have the correct seals
Intumescent seals must be used, and used correctly. The seals should be around the top three edges of the door, not the bottom. All seals must be in good condition, and cold smoke seals must be present in the form of brushes or a rubber strip.
The door must have the correct number of hinges
It is a legal requirement for a fire door to have at least three steel hinges, and they must be in full working order.
Maintain door handles
Always check if the door handles are secure, and there are no loose screws or bolts that could cause a hazard. It is incredibly difficult to open a fire door without the use of a handle, and this could prove fatal.
Glass in the fire door must be fitted perfectly and must be unobstructed
If the glass rattles, is cracked or is obstructed in any way, then these issues must be rectified immediately.
These are all vital features of a fire door, and they must be maintained regularly in order to provide a safe exit for those within your building, and also to ensure that you comply with Fire Safety Regulations.
City Fire Protection are proud to be a leading provider of fire safety equipment and training for businesses around the nation. If you would like to know more, please get in touch with us today and we’ll be more than happy to help.
