The organizers of Fire Door Safety Week say that this year’s campaign was the most successful yet, winning the support of more than 350 individuals, organizations, and businesses while reaching millions via press coverage and social media.
Designed to draw attention to the widespread neglect and misuse of fire doors, the campaign is an annual event run by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), Fire Door Alliance, and Fire Door Inspection Scheme in partnership with the Home Office’s National Fire Safety campaign.
The Fire Door Safety website has had 28,000 visitors since the start of the year – a 44% increase from 2017. Overall, the campaign is believed to have reached a total of 36.5 million people thanks to 12 pieces of broadcast coverage, 94 pieces of media coverage, and thousands of tweets.
Fire Door Safety Week
But Hannah Mansell warns that even after this year’s success, more work needs to be done
Hannah Mansell, spokesperson for the campaign, said: “This year’s campaign reached a new high. Gaining our largest number of supporters to date, it brought together supporters from the construction supply chain, housing associations, fire and rescue services, action groups, as well as members of the public.”
But Hannah Mansell warns that even after this year’s success, more work needs to be done.
She adds: “Fire doors remain an area of neglect across the UK, with poorly installed and maintained doors regularly reported to us.”
Awareness-raising projects
Over the following 12 months, the BWF plans to continue its awareness-raising projects to further improve attitudes to fire door safety.
Fire Door Safety Week has issued 5 Step Check Guidance to help anyone wishing to improve the safety of their fire doors:
- Check for certification – there should be a label on the top or side of the door to show it’s a certified fire door
- Check for gaps – any gaps around the top, bottom or sides of the door should be less than 4mm when closed
- Check the seals – any intumescent seals around the door or frame should be intact and have no signs of damage
- Check the hinges – all hinges should be firmly fixed and have no missing or broken screws
- Check the door closes properly – open the door halfway, let it go, and ensure it closes by itself. It should close firmly onto the latch without sticking on the floor or frame
