As we’re sure you know, fire doors are a legal requirement in all workplaces. But your responsibility doesn’t end there. Fire doors need to be regularly inspected and maintained to a high standard. Here’s how you can comply with the law and keep everyone safe.
What is a fire door?
A fire door is a door that is specially designed to prevent the spread of fire between rooms. It is made from materials that are resistant to fire, heat and smoke, allowing it to contain a fire in the room where it breaks out. Fire doors must be certified by an accredited third-party safety inspector such as the BWF (British Woodworking Federation).
A fire door is not to be confused with a fire exit. A fire door is designed to contain a fire, while a fire exit offers an escape route if a fire breaks out.
Which buildings need fire doors?
Fire doors are mandatory in all non-domestic properties. They are also required in blocks of flats and houses that have been divided for multiple occupancies. In blocks of flats they are required on escape routes and all apartment front doors.
Which fire doors should I use?
The law doesn’t specify the type of fire door you should install, so it will be up to you to choose the most appropriate model. The two most common types are FD30 and FD60. The number refers to the amount of time that the door can contain a fire: either 30 minutes or 60 minutes.
If you run a larger business with a lot of employees, you should consider installing FD60(S), as your evacuation procedure is likely to take longer. The ‘S’ refers to the door being resistant to fire AND smoke.
Who is responsible for fire doors?
Fire doors used to be the responsibility of the local authority, but this is no longer the case. Under the Building Safety Act 2022, the person in charge of the day-to-day running of a building (either the landlord or building owner) is also responsible for its fire doors. If you run a business, this may well be you.
What are my responsibilities?
As the responsible person, it is up to you to make sure that fire doors are properly installed. Anyone can install fire doors, but it’s better to hire an experienced professional. The gap between a fire door and its frame must be no more than 4mm, and getting this right takes considerable expertise. This allows for intumescent strips and smoke seals to seal the gap in the event of a fire.
All fire doors should be marked with a blue “Fire Door Keep Shut” sign. They must be kept unlocked whenever the building is occupied.
Some fire doors may be fitted with devices to keep them open during the day. These are permitted as long as they automatically release the door if the fire alarm sounds. Improvised devices such as wedges and props are never allowed.
How often should I inspect fire doors?
The Fire Safety Order 2005 states that fire doors should be inspected at least once a year. This is a minimum requirement but, in areas with heavy foot traffic, monthly inspections are a good idea. You can inspect a fire door yourself, but it’s best to use an FDIS (Fire Door Inspection Scheme) accredited professional. You could also consider taking the FDIS course yourself.
When inspecting a fire door, there are a few things to look out for:
- Is there any obvious damage to the door?
- Does the door close onto its latch and fully into the frame automatically?
- Are all three hinges in good condition?
- Are the heat and smoke seals in place?
Don’t take any chances
You can’t be too careful when it comes to fire safety. If you have any doubts about your current fire doors, or are wondering if you need to install more, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
