Fire Door Safety Week: 5 Step Door Check

• News
• 17 September 2021

Launched in 2013 in response to a legacy of fire door neglect, Fire Door Safety Week is a mass market awareness campaign to increase public understanding of the vital role that fire doors play in protecting life and property. This year, Fire Door Safety Week begins on the week commencing 19th September, lasting till 25th September. During the week, companies from across the industry will come together to emphasise the importance of good fire safety practice. As the UK’s number one supplier of steel door solutions, it’s our role to ensure buildings are protected from fire with our products, services, and advice. Our steel doors are vigorously tested & certified by a third party and available with up to 4 hours fire-resistance. Our sales team are steel door experts and will offer advice on the most appropriate configurations to improve fire resistance. We also offer installation training and support to fitters when installing fire doors, if required. But installing a fire door doesn’t ensure total fire safety. No matter where they are installed, fire doors must be regularly inspected and well-maintained to ensure they are in full working condition. See Fire Door Safety Week's "5 Step Fire Door Check" below:  

Certification

Look for a label or plug on top (or on the hinge side for Robust UK doors) of the door. Without a certification mark, you cannot be sure this really is a fire door. If you don't find any label with a certification mark, report it to the property owner.  

Gaps

Check the gaps around the top and sides of the door are consistently less than 4mm when the door is closed. The gap under the door can be slightly larger (up to 8mm), but it does depends on the door. Ideally, you should not see light under the door. It's important that any gaps are not so big that smoke and flames could travel through the cracks, as this would mean the door won't protect against fire. If there are any large gaps, report the door to the property owner.  

Seals

Look for any intumescent seals around the door or frame. Check they're intact with no sign of damage. Intumescent seals expand when exposed to heat, filling any gaps around the door and preventing flames from passing through. If you find damage to the seals, report it to the property owner.  

Hinges

Check all hinges are firmly fixed (three or more of them), with no missing or broken screws. It's important you're sure the door has been properly maintained, and in the intensity of a fire will perform properly. If you find any issues, report them to the property owner.  

Closing properly

Check the door closes firmly onto the latch without sticking on the floor or the frame. A fire door will only work when it's closed properly, as there won't be a full barrier against a fire. Fire doors are completely useless when wedged open or can't close fully. If you find a door won't close properly, report it to the property owner.   Maintaining a fire door is just as important as the door itself. A poorly functioning fire door provides little protection in the event of a fire, risking lives and damage to property. While the steps above may seem simple, they could save lives, so it is vital they are followed. If you have any doubts about your fire doors, report them to the property owner.