Not all doors are the same. Fire doors are vital in protecting people and property from fire and are needed in commercial, public, multiple occupancy buildings and in some domestic situations.

Most of the 3 million new fire doors that are fitted every year in the UK are made of timber. It is important that fire doors have the correct specification (i.e. FD30 giving 30mins protection) and are managed and maintained well.

Fire doors are often neglected and don’t work properly. Using a lower grade fire door can mean that the building does not have the level of protection it needs and could mean that people are put at risk. Propping a fire door open can have the same effect. If it is absolutely necessary to have a fire door open, they should be propped open with an automatically releasing device which operates with the fire alarm to ensure the safety of everyone in the event of a fire. Damage or poor maintenance can seriously compromise the effectiveness of a fire door which will lead to fire spreading rapidly around the building.

This week is Fire Door Safety week.

Fire Door Safety week aims to bring attention to certain issues, including poor installation and maintenance, urge building owners to check the condition of their fire doors and educate people and help them to understand fire doors and what they need.

Why not check your fire doors:

• Are they closing fully
• Are there equal gaps around them no more than 4mm.
• If fitted, are smoke seals, in place and touching the frame.
• Are they signed “fire door keep closed”
• Is there no damage or holes.
• Are all 3 hinges tight and working correctly.