Why Fire Doors Are Important for Workplace Safety

Workplace fires can be devastating, and the damage they cause can lead to loss of life and property. That's why it's so important to have proper fire safety measures in place, including working fire doors. Many people don't think about fire doors until there is a problem, but by then it might be too late. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of fire doors in the workplace and how to inspect them for safety

Introduction

Fire doors are an important part of any workplace fire safety plan. They are designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke, giving people time to escape. Fire doors must be able to close quickly in order to contain the fire. They are also important for preventing the spread of fire to other parts of the building.

In order to work properly, fire doors need to be able to close quickly and tightly. They should also be free of any obstructions that could prevent them from closing properly. Something as simple as a piece of furniture blocking the door can make a fire door ineffective.

If you are responsible for workplace fire safety, it is important to inspect fire doors on a regular basis. Make sure they are clear of any obstructions and that the hardware is in good working condition. It's also a good idea to test fire doors periodically to ensure they are functioning properly.

Fire doors play an important role in keeping people safe in the event of a fire. By taking the time to inspect them regularly, you can help ensure they will do their job in the event of an emergency.

UK Fire Door Laws

In the UK, fire door law has been regulated by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The fire safety order requires that all workplaces have fire doors which are kept in good condition and operational.

What is the law on fire doors

Most businesses in the UK are required by law to have fire doors installed in order to help protect employees and property in the event of a fire.

The law states that all fire doors must be kept in working order at all times, and that they must be able to close completely and latch shut. If a fire door is damaged or blocked, it can't do its job of slowing the spread of fire and smoke, so it's important to keep them in good condition. If a fire door is found to be faulty or damaged, it must be fixed immediately

Businesses are responsible for ensuring that their fire doors are kept in good condition, but they can also work with their fire safety consultant or local fire department to make sure that their fire doors are compliant with the law. Periodic inspections of fire doors can help identify any problems that need to be fixed, and regular maintenance can help keep them in good working order.

What are the laws on fire doors in flats

Regarding residential buildings, prior to the Fire Safety Act 2021, flat entrance doors in multi-occupied residential buildings may not have been routinely considered as part of the fire risk assessment process. The Fire Safety Act 2021 has removed the legal ambiguity and confirms that flat entrance doors are in scope of the Fire Safety Order.

On January 23, 2023, the Fire Safety [England] Regulations 2022 will go into effect. These regulations make it mandatory for those responsible for multi-occupied residential buildings 11 meters or taller in England to:

• Undertake quarterly checks of all fire doors (including self-closing devices) in the common parts; and,

• Undertake – on a best endeavour basis – annual checks of all flat entrance doors (including self-closing devices) that lead onto a building’s common parts.

The regulations will require responsible persons to provide information on the importance of fire doors to building safety for residents of all multi-occupied residential buildings with two or more sets of domestic premises (that have common parts).

The inspections must be carried out by the responsible person, and training is available to ensure they know how to do these safely and effectively. They should also record the inspection so there's evidence of compliance at that time.

If a problem or damage is found during these inspections, more detailed checks of the doors may need to be done by a specialist.

Fire Door Information

Which businesses need fire doors

Workplaces that have a fire evacuation plan in place are required to have fire doors. The fire evacuation plan is designed to help people escape in the event of a fire. Fire doors play an important role in this plan, and by ensuring they are clear of obstructions and in good working condition, you can help keep people safe.

There are different types of fire doors in the UK, and each one is rated for a specific type of fire. The most common fire door is the standard fire door, which is rated for fires up to 90 minutes. There are also fire doors that are rated for firestops, which are designed to contain a fire in a specific area. They are not meant to be used as an evacuation route.

Fire doors that are rated for fire stops are designed to contain a fire in a specific area. They are not meant to be used as an evacuation route like standard fire doors. Fire stops are typically used in areas where there is a high fire risk, such as in the kitchen or near the electrical room.

There is a big difference between standard fire doors and fire doors that are rated for fire stops. Standard fire doors are designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke, giving people time to escape. Fire doors that are rated for fire stops are designed to contain a fire in a specific area.

It is important to know the difference between standard fire doors and fire doors that are rated for fire stops. By knowing which type of door is required in your workplace, you can help ensure people's safety in the event of a fire by selecting the correct type.

What are fire doors made of?

Fire doors are typically made of wood or metal. They may also be glass, but this is less common. The type of fire door you need will depend on the fire rating required and the type of building it will be installed in.

- Metal fire doors: These fire doors are typically made of steel or aluminium. They are designed to withstand high temperatures and are often used in commercial buildings.

- Wood fire doors: These fire doors are typically made of solid wood or a fire-resistant composite material. They offer good insulating properties and are often used in residential buildings.

- Glass fire doors: These fire doors are made of tempered glass. They offer good visibility and are often used in office buildings.

Can door furniture make a difference to its fire rating?

Something as simple as door furniture can make a difference to the fire rating of a door. For example, if you have a door that opens outwards, it needs special door furniture to help keep it closed in the event of a fire. Door furniture is also important for keeping the door from being wedged open.

If you are responsible for workplace fire safety, it is important to be familiar with the different types of fire door furniture available. Take the time to select the right type of door furniture for your workplace. By doing so, you can help ensure that the fire doors will close quickly and tightly in the event of a fire.

Some of the different door furniture fittings that you may wish to review are;

- Door closer

- Magnetic door holder

- Concealed fire door closer

- Surface mounted fire door closer

- Automatic fire door closing system

Intumescent strips are another key component of fire doors. Intumescent strips are an important component of fire doors. They are made of a fire-resistant material that swells up when exposed to heat. This expansion helps to seal the door and prevent the spread of fire and smoke.

Intumescent strips are typically installed around the edge of the door. They are an important part of the fire door assembly, and help to keep the door from being compromised in the event of a fire.

If you are responsible for fire safety in your workplace, it is important to be familiar with intumescent strips. Take the time to install and inspect them on all of your fire doors. By doing so, you can help ensure that the door will stay sealed in the event of a fire.

Expanding foam for fire door cavities

One way to help improve the fire rating of a fire door is to install expanding fire rated door foam in the cavity between the door and the frame. This will help to seal the door and prevent the spread of fire and smoke.

Expanding foam is a fire-resistant material that will help to keep the door cavity closed in the event of a fire. It is quick and easy to install, and can be done by anyone with basic DIY skills.

If you are responsible for fire safety in your workplace, it is important to consider installing expanding foam in the cavity between your fire doors. By doing so, you can help improve the fire rating of your doors and ensure that they will stay closed in the event of a fire.

How should fire doors be installed?

Fire doors must be installed by a qualified professional. They must be properly aligned and fit snugly in order to work properly. The hinges and other hardware must also be properly installed and maintained.

If you are responsible for fire safety in your workplace, it is important to make sure that fire doors are installed correctly.

Fire door installation professionals will issue you a certificate. This certificate confirms that the fire door has been installed properly and is in working order. It is important to keep this certificate in a safe place, as it may be needed in the event of a fire.

1. Make sure the fire door is properly aligned and fits snugly in the frame.

2. Check that the hinges and other hardware are properly installed and maintained.

3. Make sure the fire door is not blocked or wedged open.

4. Inspect the fire door for damage, corrosion, or any other signs of wear and tear.

5. Ensure that the fire door is properly labeled with its fire rating.

6. Check that the fire door closes quickly and tightly in the event of a fire.

7. Keep a copy of the fire door certificate in a safe place.

8. Regularly inspect fire doors to ensure they are in compliance with fire safety standards.

Is my business landlord responsible for fire door inspections and maintenance or am I?

The responsibility for fire door inspections falls on the business owner but this will depend on your contract, if in doubt get it checked over.

Faulty fire doors can also impact on your business insurance. If a fire door is not working properly, it may not meet fire safety standards. This could lead to your business being shut down in the event of a fire. It is therefore important to have fire doors inspected and maintained regularly.

By knowing how to properly inspect and maintain fire doors, you can help ensure the safety of your employees in the event of a fire.

Are fire doors just for commercial properties?

Fire doors are not just for commercial properties. Domestic properties can also require fire doors for safety purposes. In a domestic property, the fire door may be used to protect the occupants from fire, smoke, and fumes. It may also be used to delay the spread of fire to other parts of the house and is particularly relevant for rented or multi-tenant properties.

Fire doors in domestic properties must also be installed by a qualified professional. They must be properly aligned and fit snugly in order to work properly. The hinges and other hardware must also be properly installed and maintained.

If you are a landlord or responsible for fire safety in your domestic property, it is also important to make sure that fire doors are installed correctly. Fire door installation professionals will issue you a certificate. This certificate confirms that the fire door has been installed properly and is in working order. It is important to keep this certificate in a safe place, as it may be needed in the event of a fire.

Fire Door Inspections

Who is responsible for Fire door inspections in a business

In most businesses, the responsibility for fire door inspections falls on the fire safety officer or manager. They are responsible for ensuring that fire doors are clear of obstructions and that the hardware is in good working condition. They should also test fire doors periodically to ensure they are functioning properly.

If you are a fire safety officer or manager, it is important to be familiar with the fire doors in your workplace. Take the time to inspect them regularly and test them periodically. By doing so, you can help ensure they will be effective in the event of a fire.

If you are interested in becoming a qualified fire door installer or inspector, there are a few things you need to know.

To become a fire door installer

you must be a qualified tradesperson. You must also have experience in fire door installation and be familiar with the relevant fire safety standards.

To become a fire door inspector

you must be a qualified fire safety inspector. You must also have experience in fire door inspection and be familiar with the relevant fire safety standards.

Both of these qualifications require training and certification. It is important to ensure that the training provider is accredited by an appropriate body, such as the National Skills Academy for Construction.

The most common way to gain these qualifications is through a formal apprenticeship. Apprenticeships can be completed at a variety of training providers, including colleges and universities. They usually last between one and four years, depending on the level of qualification you are aiming for.

Once you have obtained your qualifications, it is important to keep up to date with any changes to fire safety standards. This can be done through continued professional development (CPD) and you can expand your general fire knowledge online with courses such as fire safety training awareness or a more advanced fire warden training course. Specialized learning opportunities, such as fire door installation and maintenance courses or trade press articles are also crucial for keeping up with best practices and the latest industry developments.

Fire Door Safety Checks

How often should fire doors be inspected?

Fire doors should be inspected on a regular basis, preferably every six months. However, the frequency of fire door inspections may vary depending on the type of fire door and the fire safety standard to which it is compliant. It is important to ensure that fire doors are inspected regularly in order to ensure their effectiveness in the event of a fire.

How can I tell if my fire door is working properly?

There are a few ways to tell if your fire door is working properly. One way is to check the fire door seals. The seals should be in good condition and fit snugly against the door frame. If there is weathering or damage to the seals, they will need to be replaced.

Another way to check if your fire door is working properly is to test the fire rating. You can do this by using a fire door inspection tester, which is a device that measures how long it takes for fire to spread through a door. You can also use fire hoses or other fire-testing equipment to test the fire rating of your fire door.

If you are not comfortable testing the fire rating of your fire door, you can ask a qualified professional to do it for you. They will be able to tell you if your fire door is meeting the relevant fire safety standards.

What are some common problems with fire doors?

There are a few common problems with fire doors. One problem is that fire doors may not close properly. This can be due to damaged door seals or a misaligned door frame. If the fire door does not close properly, the fire rating may not be met and the door may not be effective in the event of a fire.

Another common problem with fire doors is that they may not be easy to open in an emergency. This can be due to a lack of signage or lighting near the fire door, or because the fire door is blocked by furniture or other items. If fire doors are not easy to open, they may not be effective in an emergency. It is important to ensure that fire doors are free of obstructions and are easy to open in an emergency.

Finally, fire doors may not have been properly maintained historically. This can include forgetting to test the fire rating or not regularly inspecting the door for damage. If fire doors are not properly maintained, they may not be effective in the event of a fire.

If there are any problems with your fire doors, it is best to have them fixed by a qualified professional.

Conclusion

Fire doors play a hugely important role in fire safety. By taking the time to ensure they are installed properly and maintained, you can help keep people safe in the event of a fire. As with all aspects of fire safety it is important to remember that fire can be deadly so if in doubt consult a qualified professional or your local fire service.

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