Fire Doors: Simple safety that saves lives

Fire doors are an important part of fire safety in homes, workplaces and public buildings. Designed to help hold back fire and smoke, they can protect escape routes and give people valuable extra time to leave safely.

In a fire, every second matters. A correctly fitted and well-maintained fire door can make a significant difference by slowing the spread of fire and smoke through a building.

Fire doors at home

Fire doors may be found in a number of residential settings, including between a garage and a house, in blocks of flats and in other areas where additional fire protection is required.

Their purpose is to help slow the spread of flames and smoke, giving people more time to escape and helping prevent fire and smoke from spreading rapidly to other parts of the building.

This is particularly important at night, when people may be asleep and have less time to recognise a fire and react.

Fire doors in the workplace

In workplaces, fire doors help protect employees, visitors and contractors by keeping corridors, stairways and other escape routes safer for longer.

They can also help contain a fire within one area of a building, potentially limiting the damage to the building and business.

Employers and those responsible for the building have an important role in ensuring that fire doors and other fire safety measures are properly maintained.

Help your fire doors do their job

A fire door can only provide protection if it is in good working order.

There are some simple things everyone can do to help:

• Keep fire doors closed and never wedge or prop them open.
• Make sure the door closes fully after being opened.
• Look out for damage to the door, frame, hinges, glass, seals or closing device.
• Keep the area around fire doors clear so they can be used as intended.
• Report any faults or damage promptly so they can be inspected and repaired.

A door that is damaged, unable to close properly or has defective components will not provide the protection it was designed to offer.

Remember: Keep fire doors closed

Fire doors are there to help protect lives. Keeping them closed, clear and in good condition is a simple action that can contribute to a safer environment for everyone.

Whether you are at home, at work or visiting a public building, please respect fire doors and report any problems you notice.

When a fire starts, you may have only a short amount of time to escape. Fire doors can help provide that extra time when it matters most.

For more information on fire doors, please follow the link – https://www.firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk/