Why are fire doors important?
Fire doors are part of a buildings passive fire protection system and are fundamental to fire strategies for buildings.
They provide critical protection within a building, such as escape routes (stairs and corridors) and separate different fire hazards in a building.
Effective fire doors ensure rooms are compartmented, to help keep fire, and possibly smoke, in the area in which it starts, to protect occupants (and contents) of other compartments safe and to protect escape routes.
What is a fire door and what is a final escape route?
A fire door is a collection of components that includes the door leaf, frame, seals and essential door hardware, which are referred to in the door’s fire test evidence. This is called a fire door assembly and use of the wrong components may have a significant impact on the overall performance of the fire door.
A final escape door is a door used, in the event of an emergency, to exit the building and to reach a place of safety. It must operate correctly and be fitted with the correct hardware. Correct signage is also a mandatory requirement for fire doors and escape doors.
How do I know if my fire doors are fit for purpose?
Just like other life safety devices, such as fire extinguishers and alarms, fire doors and final escape doors need periodic inspection and maintenance to ensure that they will perform as intended in a fire situation. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order places this obligation with the responsible person and for life safety devices it is prudent to seek advice from a competent person.