Fire doors play a crucial role in preventing the spread of fire and smoke within a building. They can mean the difference between life and death in the event of an emergency. However, many fire doors fail to meet the required standards due to user errors.
In this article, Total Fire Group will highlight some common mistakes and emphasize the importance of regular inspections and fire risk assessments.
Understanding Fire Doors
Fire doors are designed to restrict the spread of fire and smoke from one compartment to another. They vary in fire resistance, with different types required for areas of higher risk.
Despite their importance, a staggering 75% of fire doors within the commercial sector fail to meet necessary standards, potentially compromising fire safety.
The Risk-Based Approach
At Total Fire Group, they prioritize a risk-based approach to fire door inspections
At Total Fire Group, they prioritize a risk-based approach to fire door inspections. This method is more comprehensive than merely focusing on failing doors.
The assessments consider every aspect of a fire door, from hinges and frames to seals and signage, ensuring that doors are efficient for their intended purpose.
For those who have experienced poor inspections or bad advice in the past, they can work with the company to prevent this from happening again.
Common Fire Door User Errors
Experienced fire door inspectors have encountered a wide range of issues. From wedged-open fire doors and damaged doors to blocked emergency exits.
Below are common fire door user errors that can be easily avoided:
- Wedging Fire Doors Open: Propping open fire doors may seem convenient, but can be extremely dangerous. It allows fire and smoke to spread quickly, defeating the purpose of the door.
- Insufficient Maintenance and Inspection: Regular inspections and maintenance are vital to ensure fire doors remain compliant and effective. Neglecting this task can lead to faulty doors and increased fire risk.
- Removing the Self-Closing Device: Fire doors should be equipped with self-closing devices. Removing or tampering with these devices can compromise the door’s ability to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
- Ignoring Damages on Fire Doors: Visible damages such as cracks, gaps, or warped frames can affect a fire door’s performance. It is essential to address these issues promptly.
- Blocking the Fire Door: Obstructing fire doors with furniture or other objects can impede access during emergencies, increasing the risk of injury or death.
When a Fire Door Inspection is Required?
Fire door inspections ensure that doors function correctly by restricting the spread of fire and smoke. They can range from simple five-point checks to comprehensive 30-point evaluations.
Inspections typically assess gaps around the door, damage, certification, fixtures and fittings, seals, and hinges. They also evaluate whether the door closes effectively within its frame from various angles.
