Fire doors are an essential component of keeping a building safe from the damage and danger to life that fire causes. By keeping the blazes at bay, they also give first responders crucial extra time.
In this blog for Fire Door Safety Week, Total Fire Group are focusing on where these key parts of the fire safety arsenal can best be placed in the commercial building.
What Features Make Fire Doors so Important?
Fire doors have a set of requirements that make them an effective defense method against fire. These are:
- At least three heat-resistant hinges
- One or more types of seals (intumescent, smoke & acoustic seals)
- Fire-resistant glazing – specially tempered to withstand high heat
- Adequate signage
- An automatic door closer
Different Types of Fire Doors
Fire doors – depending on where they are and in what sort of building – have different levels of protection
Fire doors – depending on where they are and in what sort of building – have different levels of protection. Some are ranked by the length of time they keep a fire at bay – e.g., FD30, FD60, and so on.
Others are differentiated by where they are placed – for example, a fire exit door that allows for easy access to the outdoors for people to escape in an emergency.
In many cases, an FD30 is sufficient, but depending on the accessibility of the room and how long it would take for emergency services to reach it, this may increase.
Escape Routes
In commercial buildings, fire doors are required to create a clear horizontal and vertical escape route through the building.
- A horizontal route directs people to a safe area – be that a fireproof room or to the outside of the building.
- Vertical escape routes direct people to a stairwell, as lifts cannot be used in the case of a fire.
Fire Door Inspections
With wear and tear – especially in communal spaces – and ever-changing regulations, regular inspections are imperative
Once fire doors are in place, it is also the job of the Responsible Person to ensure that they are regularly inspected and replaced when needed. With wear and tear – especially in communal spaces – and ever-changing regulations, regular inspections are imperative.
At Total Fire Group, they offer comprehensive fire door inspections and surveys to help them get the most out of the fire doors.
In the commercial sector, a surprising 75% of fire doors fail to meet crucial standards, putting businesses’ fire safety at risk. It’s a sobering fact that underscores the importance of regular fire door surveys and maintenance by qualified professionals.
Assessments rooted in risk management
At Total Fire Group, they approach fire door inspections differently from many other companies. The assessments are rooted in risk management, focusing on enhancing safety rather than just pointing out flaws. They meticulously evaluate every element of the fire doors, ensuring they effectively serve their purpose.
For those who have had disappointing fire door inspections or received inadequate advice in the past, Total Fire Group are here to change that narrative. Don’t compromise on fire safety, contact the team for more information.
