Fire Door Safety Week 2024: Protect your people and premises

Fire doors are a fundamental part of your business’s safety strategy, preventing the spread of fire and buying precious minutes in emergency situations. With Fire Door Safety Week upon us, it’s the perfect time to review your fire safety measures and ensure your fire doors are up to standard. 

In this blog, we explore fire doors’ critical role in protecting your people and premises – and share expert tips to keep them in peak condition. 

Why are fire doors important?

Fire doors are specially designed to withstand fire for a set period, usually 30 to 60 minutes. In a fire emergency, this vital grace period gives employees and customers a valuable opportunity to safely evacuate the premises. 

Fire doors provide a critical function in building safety by: 

• Containing fires – Fire doors help control fires by compartmentalising internal spaces and restricting the spread of fire and smoke. By inhibiting a fire’s movement through a building, fire doors can reduce the risk to lives and property. 
• Protecting escape routes – Properly functioning fire doors keep escape routes clear of fire and smoke for as long as possible. This allows occupants to safely exit the building, particularly when other routes are blocked. 
• Complying with regulations – Fire doors are often a legal requirement in commercial buildings. Regular inspections are essential for meeting health and safety regulations.

Key checks: Are your fire doors up to standard? 

To ensure fire doors deliver the life-saving protection you need, it’s essential to regularly inspect and maintain them. These crucial checks can pinpoint potential safety and compliance concerns: 

• Certification – Your fire door should have a certification label confirming its fire rating. The label will also indicate whether it has been manufactured to a recognised standard.
• Door gaps – Space around your fire door can allow dangerous smoke and fire to pass through. Ensure the gap does not exceed 4mm when the door is closed. 
• Intumescent seals – The seals around your doorframe should be intact and undamaged. These vital seals expand when exposed to heat, offering an additional layer of protection against smoke and fire. 
• Door closures – A door that doesn’t fully close can’t properly protect you. Make sure your door closes completely, without sticking or leaving gaps. 
• Handles, hinges, locks, and latches– All parts of your fire door should be fire-resistant, including its handles, hinges, locks and latches. As part of your regular door checks, look for signs of wear, damage, or tampering. Locks and latches should have intumescent components to prevent smoke and fire spread.
• Obstructions – Nothing should obstruct your fire door. While it’s common practice to prop open fire doors, they should always be kept closed and never held ajar unless fitted with an automatic closing system.

Get your fire risk assessment today

Ensuring that fire doors meet safety standards is just one part of comprehensive fire safety management. A full fire risk assessment will help you identify risks, and our team of experts can guide you through the necessary steps to protect your business, employees, and customers.

If you want peace of mind knowing your fire doors and overall fire safety measures are compliant, talk to us today about our fire risk assessment services. 

We’re waiting to help on 0330 043 4015 or hello@opus-safety.co.uk.